Postpartum depression is relatively common after women give birth, but it sometimes does not seem to go away. If you are suffering with major depression after giving birth and are not finding any relief months later, it might be time to visit a psychiatrist. While postpartum depression can appear for up to one year after having a baby, it is more likely to go away long before a year has gone by. Here are three reasons you should consider seeking help for your depression if it will not go away.

Parenting will be harder than it already is

Parenting is already hard enough, especially for first-time parents who do not know what to expect. If you are suffering from major depression, your job will be even harder. Depression can make you feel more tired than you already are, and it can cause insomnia and other sleeping disorders. When you feel depressed, you may want to be alone, and you probably will not want to talk to anyone. Unfortunately, you will have a new baby that needs you all the time. A combination of taking care of your new baby and trying to deal with your depression can be a recipe for disaster.

You may have a mental illness

Even if you have never suffered from a mental illness before, there is a chance that you might be right now. Clinical depression is one type of mental illness, and this type is more prevalent in women than in men. It can occur for many reasons, but it is often the result of hormonal changes in your body. Going through a pregnancy is one of the top events in life that causes hormonal changes. If you are clinically depressed, you will need professional help to get through this.

Your baby will be affected

Finally, it's important for you to understand that your depression will not only affect you. It can affect your spouse, your family, and even your new baby. Research shows that when babies are raised with depressed parents, they tend to have problems with brain development. This can lead to long-term issues with the way your baby feels, thinks, and develops. If you want to prevent these issues, you should seek help.

If you are dealing with depression after having a baby, get help now. You can learn more about this by contacting an experienced psychiatrist in your area today, such as Kay M. Shilling MD PC.