Hormones and physical exhaustion, loss of blood, drugs and pain are all factors that cause the body to break down. Personal issues at home on top of the fact that the newborn is demanding are other issues to cause postpartum depression. The woman feels overwhelmed and her body shuts down to protect itself. Postpartum depression, being the most serious of delivery depressions, lasts longer than others. The mother is depressed, therefore cannot care for her baby the way she would like.
Treatment usually entails anti-depression drugs and counseling.
This can last for a long time and is a slow process. Family support at this time is very important. Family members offering to watch and care for the infant are also equally important. This gives the new mother time for herself and time to rest. Never should postpartum depression be ignored as something that will go away over night.