According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of nine women experiences postpartum depression. Unlike the “baby blues,” which lasts only a few days or weeks, postpartum depression can last for several months or years after a mother gives birth.
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder, and like other mood disorders, it can be characterized by sadness, crying, extreme fatigue, guilt, disconnectedness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities and hopelessness. However, postpartum depression also has its own uniquely identifiable traits.