HOUSTON -- Some new mothers may think they're going crazy right after having a baby, with raging hormones, lack of sleep and a crying child, but in some instances it's a disease overtaking their lives.

Postpartum distress, including what is commonly known as "baby blues," is a very real disease that affects more than half of new moms, some more severely than others.

About 80 percent of all new mothers experience some form of postpartum distress, including "baby blues."

"Baby blues" typically start around three or four days after birth and last a few weeks, according to reports.

Actual postpartum depression affects 10 percent to 20 percent of new mothers, about 400,000 women a year, according to Ann Dunnewold, a Dallas psychologist.

Postpartum depression can be brought on by changing hormones, a dramatic change in lifestyle, feelings of isolation and the responsibility of caring for a new life.

Symptoms of postpartum depression often occur three to four days after giving birth and may last up to six months.

Stacey Glasemann suffered from postpartum depression, and she described what she went through as "a living hell."

"I couldn't eat," Glasemann said. "I couldn't sleep, couldn't take care of the baby."

It took Glasemann months to conquer her depression. Now she is studying to be a counselor to those who suffer from postpartum depression.

"They need to know that if they experience these symptoms for more than three or four weeks, they need to get some help," Glasemann said. "They don't have to feel like (they're alone). There's help out there."

Dr. John F. Irwin of the Women's Hospital of Texas told KPRC TV that only about 10 percent of postpartum depression cases are as severe as Glasemann's. Most cases are what doctors call "baby blues," which is described as tearfulness and periods of sadness.

"Only rarely does a mother become so depressed (that) she harms her own children," Irwin said. "Depression that severe happens just once in every 1,000 births.

"I, personally, in 22 years have never seen what I would call a postpartum psychosis to that extreme measure," he said. "It's that rare."

For postpartum depression help, call (805) 967-7636.

Do You Suffer From A Form Of Postpartum Depression?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

• Do you have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby?
• Are you planning to kill yourself and the baby?
• Are you hearing voices?
• Are you having ideas that you know are not grounded in reality?
• Have you gone more than 72 hours without sleep?

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

• Feeling restless or irritable
• Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot
• Having no energy
• Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart being fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)
• Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both
• Not being able to eat and weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain
• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
• Being overly worried about the baby
• Not having any interest in the baby
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself
• No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex

For more information, visit MedlinePlus.gov and 4woman.gov.