It is important to recognise the signs of postnatal depression, and acknowledge that it is happening, so you can seek out appropriate care and support. This not only helps the woman who is depressed, but provides a better understanding for her family, to help them cope and deal with how she is feeling. Many women who have been finally diagnosed as having postnatal depression are usually relieved that at last there is an explanation for how they have been feeling, and that they are not losing their sanity. Partners who may have been feeling lost and confused themselves, are usually also relieved that an answer has been found, often coping better with how the woman is behaving and being more able to support her emotionally.
For some women, the signs of postnatal depression are intense and obvious. However, in many cases postnatal depression goes unnoticed for various periods of time (perhaps weeks or months) by the woman herself, her partner and those around her. In many cases, women experiencing postnatal depression begin to isolate themselves because they are feeling guilty, or ashamed, about their thoughts and feelings. In some cases, the woman may convince herself she can 'get through it' without help. Hoping that the feelings will go away on their own is not usually an effective strategy. If anything, when the feelings are left unaddressed, they can spiral into a deeper depression.
Postnatal depression can often go unrecognised because: