She might also feel that her new situation is more than she can handle and may even experience difficulty sleeping. But when does a suspected case of the baby blues turn into something more?

Also according to the CDC, women under the age of 20 are more likely to experience postpartum depression, as are those who experienced high stress levels during pregnancy, are without a partner, suffer from financial worries, those who did not plan the pregnancy, or those who suffered from depression before becoming pregnant.

Sufferers of post partum depression often experience similar symptoms as those of the baby blues, however on a more intense level. Some of these symptoms include sadness, feeling as though all joy has gone out of life, extreme irritability or being quick to anger, lack of interest in food, no desire for sex, inability to sleep, frequent mood swings, overpowering fatigue, feeling worthless, guilty, or withdrawn, trouble concentrating, or intense anxiety.

Postpartum depression can also cause a mother to feel as though she cannot bond with her baby or she may experience resentment or other negative feelings towards her newborn child. Some women who are suffering find that they have little interest in their child, or on the opposite spectrum, worry too intensely about their baby.

Postpartum depression can be so severe that a mother cannot care for herself or her baby properly and may even have thoughts of suicide or of harming her child (although these thoughts are rarely acted upon).

Unfortunately, this mood disorder cannot be diagnosed using a stand-alone test. Most postnatal depression cases are diagnosed using a series of questionnaires and counseling sessions conducted by a medical professional.

Any new mother who feels that she may be suffering from this mood disorder should speak to her doctor about her feelings and experiences.

Post partum depression is nothing to be ashamed about, and can be managed with the proper guidance.

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