Postpartum depression 

(PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and

behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to
the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form of major
depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. Postpartum depression is
linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes that happen when having a
baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many
new mothers experience.

Postpartum Depression is incredibly common. Many experts say that one

in seven mothers will experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression
not only happens after birth but can happen at any time during the baby’s first
year of life. Postpartum depression tends to spike around the time the baby is five
months.

Postpartum depression is marked by persistent feelings past the initial two-

week mark, and the symptoms are much broader than simply "sadness."
Symptoms often include anger, rage, irritability, difficulty sleeping - even when
exhausted, no strong feelings of either happiness or sadness, unexplained crying,
extreme worrying or anxiousness, intrusive thoughts of serious harm or death
coming to the baby, not feeling connected or loving toward the baby, and a
general feeling of "this isn't what i expected it to be.” In more extreme cases
symptoms can include hallucinations, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and confusion. 

There are many things you can do to combat postpartum depression like
speak to a doctor about your concerns, talk to other mothers, spend more time
with friend and family, join with local parent groups, or try to make simple
lifestyle adjustments like do exercise, go on walks, or eat dark chocolate.