• Have had post natal depression with a previous birth or depression in general or have experienced mental health problems in the past
• Have physical health problems or their baby has physical health problems or is premature.
• Have marital or relationship problems or a partner that is unsupportive
• Are socially isolated form their immediate family and friends
• Are experiencing stresses such as bereavement, unemployment, housing or money problems.

Some Mums may experience post natal depression and there may be no apparent cause or contributing factors or influences.

Recognition has to be given too to the massive change that being a parent has in a woman’s life and this added responsibility and role change may also be influential. Some authors liken this experience to a woman who is grieving for her past life.

There is suggestion that hormones may have a part to play in post natal depression. This suggestion comes about from the increased levels of hormones in the body mainly oestrogen and progesterone in pregnancy and that depression may result from the sudden diminishing of this hormones after birth. However, not enough information is known about the affect of hormones on the emotions.