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Many women who suffer from postpartum depression go untreated.

On average there are about 400,000 women in the United States who suffer from postpartum depression. The onset of the depression could happen anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months after delivering a baby. Although this number is disheartening, what is even more troublesome is how many women go untreated.

There are many reasons a women is never diagnosed with postpartum depression. One of the most common is that they believe they are all alone and no one can understand how they feel. Many women believe that postpartum depression is their fault in some way and that if they just control their emotions everything would be fine. On the contrary, postpartum depression is no one’s fault. This disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the body that we cannot control through the suppression of feelings.

If you have ever suffered from any form of depression, you understand the impact it has on your daily life and your family. You also understand that if you want to get better you need a support system. This doesn’t just mean having an occasional babysitter to lessen the stress of motherhood; it’s much more than that. You need to surround yourself with positive and empathetic people. Seek local mother’s groups or even play groups. It is very likely that these women are having the same insecurities and difficulties that you are having. It is also very likely that they have ideas and sometimes solutions to common anxieties.

Consult your doctor. No matter how embarrassed you feel. Medication may not be necessary, but your safety is. Believe it or not your doctors also have suggestions on how to cope with issues you may be having. The number one thing you need to remember is that you need time for yourself. It is okay to leave baby with a sitter, grandma, or your significant other. You are not burdening anyone, just taking care of you. After all, who will care for your baby if you are not healthy?

So maybe you aren’t the one suffering from postpartum depression, how can you help? Simple, just be there. Listen when your loved ones ask for help. Don’t forget to ask the new mommy how she is doing. Encourage her to go out for coffee, lunch, or even a walk when you notice they are feeling blue. Offer to attend mommy groups or even the doctor with them if they are scared. The hardest step for a woman with postpartum is to openly discuss what she is feeling. Helping them take that first step is the best thing anyone could do for them and their family.