It is common for women to experience tearfulness and heightened emotions 2 or 3 days after giving birth. This is known as the baby blues which usually lasts about 48 hours and no longer than 2 weeks.

Postnatal Depression is a much more severe and longer lasting depression which more than 1 in 10 women suffer after giving birth, typically starting within the first few months, but sometimes longer. It is not a sign of failure or weakness, it is simply a complication of giving birth which can be managed and cured with prompt medical treatment.

In the following videos mums who have suffered from Postnatal Depression reveal the many different symptoms they experienced and their reasons for not even realising they were suffering from it and why they wish they had sought help sooner.

TOP TIP: The sooner you seek help the better as, the longer it is left untreated, the rapidly worse it can become. If you have any suspicions or doubts as to whether you or someone you know might have Postnatal Depression, do not delay seeking reassurance or medical assistance from a Health Visitor or GP.

To learn more about postnatal depression go to NHS Choices and Family Lives.