Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression. The lifetime prevalence of major depression is 24 percent for women; it’s 15 percent for men. One in four women will experience clinical depression in her lifetime. The hormonal and life changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, the postpartum period and menopause may contribute to, or trigger, depression. (top)
During the postpartum period, many women feel especially guilty about having depressive feelings at a time when they should be or are expected to be happy. In fact, one in ten mothers meets the criteria for depression in the postpartum period. It’s extremely important to talk about postpartum feelings, as untreated postpartum depression can affect the mother-child relationship and, in severe cases may put the infant’s or mother’s life at risk.