There are several different causes for postpartum depression: Physical changes -meaning changes in hormone levels; Emotional factors - feeling overwhelmed; and Life-style changes.
For some women, this combination creates the perfect storm for postpartum depression.
Even before she met her husband, Rebecca Fox Starr says she had always wanted to become a mother.
When her daughter Belle, now 4, was born she says it was magical. But three years later when she was pregnant with her son Alex, things felt different.
"I would feel him kick and think that is a cool feeling but I was completely disassociated from it," explained Rebecca.
After a very difficult delivery, Alex came into the world and initially Rebecca was very happy.
A few weeks later her husband noticed she wasn't the same.
Rebecca had never been depressed before, and felt she should have been happy with a new baby, and a loving family.
However, Rebecca says, "I was feeling lost, I didn't want to get out of bed, I was tired. Things that would normally make me happy were not bringing me any joy. The world felt gray. I didn't see a purpose."
Thankfully her family intervened. Rebecca got treatment through medication and counseling. Now five months later she's not depressed, and feels hopeful.
She has shared her story on her blog, Mommy Ever After. It's entitled the "Hardest post I have ever written." She is hoping to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Rebecca tells us, "I wanted other people to say, 'I know this feeling,' whether it is postpartum depression or depression or anxiety, and say 'I can get help.' There is a light at the end of the tunnel."
Rebecca's post was met with many comments from other women sharing similar experiences.
Rebecca and her husband urge anyone struggling with depression to speak up and get help.
For more information on postpartum depression visit the Mayo Clinic's website.
