Most women expect that they will adjust to the arrival of their new baby fairly easily. However, for about 10-28% of mothers, the birth or adoption of a baby may mark a change in their lives which is quite distressing. They may feel a range of emotions from numbness and sadness to irritability, confusion and anxiety. These feelings may be an indication of postpartum depression (PPD).

PPD is often characterized by despondency, emotional instability, tearfulness, feelings of inadequacy and the inability to cope. It may occur shortly after the arrival of a new baby or many months later. For some women, symptoms may begin in pregnancy

PPD is not to be mistaken with the transient "blues" experienced by many women following childbirth. The "blues" usually only last about 3 to 7 days, and go away without treatment. PPD, on the other hand, is more than a depressed mood and it continues for an extended period of time.

Are you Depressed? —This simple test can help you differentiate between postpartum depression and normal feelings of being "down in the dumps".

Browse the Overview section to get a multidimensional explanation of postpartum depression. The contributing factors that may affect you will vary.

How well do you take care of yourself? Take a moment and take our next quiz.

We have put together some practical suggestions on taking care of yourself, ranging from taking one step at a time to developing a support system.

Going through postpartum depression can be an very traumatic period. If this is happening to you, it is important for you to know that you are not alone, you are not going crazy, and that you are not a failure as a mother. Many women have felt the same as you do.

Katia wrote to us saying, "So much sadness without a "logical" reason to blame it on. So much guilt for everything I feel I should be and don't feel I am..." Katia along with a few other women, share their inspiring stories of their journey's to recovery.