New mothers may feel the pressure of expectations, even from well-meaning loved ones, not just to be effortlessly perfect in their parenting, but to be joyful in their new role. These expectations may not cause postpartum depression, but they can worsen the experience by making a mother with symptoms feel imperfect, or that she’s a disappointment to everyone around her. They may exhaust themselves attempting to present an appearance of happiness, only adding to their angst. A greater awareness of postpartum depression and its prevalence, and a greater sensitivity to its sufferers, could go a long way toward easing their pain.