Postpartum depression is a common condition new mothers face a few days or weeks after giving birth. New moms may start experiencing “baby blues” shortly after welcoming their new child, which include anxiety, mood swings, crying spells, or difficulty sleeping. But if these feelings do not subside after two weeks, it can be a sign of postpartum depression: a serious condition that can interfere with day-to-day life and the care of your child.

Postpartum depression is a common but serious mental illness new mothers experience during the late stages of pregnancy and in the first few weeks of their child’s life. Many women notice changes in their minds and bodies after pregnancy, and even though they may have strong feelings of excitement and joy, it is also possible to encounter what is known as the “baby blues.” This is a period after the child’s birth — anywhere from three to five days all the way up to two weeks — during which you may experience anxiety, mood swings, depression, irritability, crying spells, or difficulty sleeping. Postpartum depression, however, is when these feelings continue for longer than two weeks and develop into more severe feelings of hopelessness or emptiness.