A new book is helping to debunk the myths surrounding post-partum depression and give hope to the 20 per cent of new mothers in Canada who suffer from the condition.

In "When Baby Brings the Blues: Solutions for Postpartum Depression," Toronto psychiatrist Dr. Ariel Dalfen says post-partum depression is easily treatable, as long women recognize the symptoms and seek help from a doctor.

"The purpose of the book is to really demystify post-partum depression," Dalfen told CTV.ca in a telephone interview on Thursday. "To help to basically battle a lot of the myths and stigma around it that prevent women from identifying that they have a problem as well as seeking help for the problem."

In the book, which is due out at the end of the year, Dalfen says that many women who experience post-partum depression feel like an inadequate mother and are afraid to speak up about their feelings in fear of being labelled as crazy.

However, the condition is caused by a number of triggers that can be easily, and quickly, treated and are in no way related to a woman's ability to parent her child.

"The major thing I want to impart to people is how treatable it is and how it's not something to keep to yourself and suffer in silence for months on end, which is what a lot of people unfortunately do," Dalfen said.

According to Dalfen, there are a number of factors that put some women at higher risk for developing post-partum depression. These include:

  • Having a history of depression or an anxiety disorder.
  • Being more susceptible to hormonal changes, such as PMS.
  • Having a family history of post-partum depression.

While these are risk factors that a woman does not have much control over, there are some social causes - such as marital difficulties, financial worries or a weak social support network - that she can work on with her doctor.

"Ideally someone will read this book, or even know about their risk before they get pregnant, and that's really the goal because then they can work to manage their risk factors in advance or connect with a professional who can monitor them in advance," Dalfen said.

If a woman seeks treatment for her post-partum depression, she can recover within a matter of weeks, according to Dalfen, or within a couple of months.

Improving treatment for women suffering from post-partum depression includes educating family members, as well as family physicians, about how to spot the warning signs of the condition.

As well, Dalfen hopes that knowing there are a number of treatment options available, from medication and therapy to self-help techniques, will encourage more women to come forward so they don't suffer in silence.

"I think the main thing to realize, first of all, is you're not alone," Dalfen said. "You're not going crazy and there is help available and you will get better."