It is often the case that young mothers fall into a despondent mood shortly after the birth of their child. Almost three quarters of them feel sad or depressed without reason and have sleeping problems and other symptoms reminiscent of depression. In most cases this state – also called “baby blues” – disappears of its own accord about ten days after the birth.
Studies show, however, that one woman in ten experiences a so-called post-natal depression after the birth of her child. In this form of depression the women often feel exhausted and irritable and find the demands of their new role as mother too much for them. They also often have the feeling that they are unable to take care of their child well enough, that they are “bad mothers”. Such self-accusations are typical of post-natal depression and are often accompanied by a feeling of shame on the part of the mother that she cannot feel “happy enough” about her own child.
Help in dealing with acute questions about post-natal depression and emotional crisis after the birth of a child is offered by several organisations, e.g. the National Institute of Mental Health. There you will find more detailed information and further contact addresses.
