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Postnatal depression. Computer illustration of a woman suffering from postnatal depression holding her baby. This depression affects about 65 per cent of new mothers, usually starting about four days after birth. It is probably caused by the sudden hormonal, physiological and environmental changes that occur after birth. The depression is usually quite mild, taking the form of tearfulness and irritability, and normally passing within a few days. In certain cases, however, the depression is deeper and longer lasting. It is sometimes necessary to admit mothers with this form of depression into hospital to prevent them from harming themselves or their babies. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/DAVID GIFFORD)