It is often a time when women can feel socially isolated, spending a lot of time at home with little adult company. All of the above factors can be reasons for mild depression, and many women experience this. But sometimes it can be much worse. You may have strong feelings of inadequacy with sudden bouts of anger. You may not be able to sleep or eat, and you may have negative feelings about your baby.
Some women even report feeling suicidal.
There is debate over the cause of severe postnatal depression. This is not something you should have to cope with alone, and it is important that you see your doctor and explain how you feel. Your doctor should take your concerns seriously and will not consider your visit a waste of time. He or she should be able to suggest some forms of treatment to help overcome the way you feel. It is also worth contacting the National Childbirth Trust or the Association for Postnatal Illness for information and advice.