Postpartum depression strikes in a specific phase of a mother’s developmental lifecycle: The time after giving birth. Because the onset of postpartum depression occurs within a specific time window, it’s possible to be predict whether you have a higher or lower likelihood of this kind of depression based on your circumstances. Beck conducted a meta-analysis in which, in descending order of explanatory power, the following predictors of postpartum depression were identified.

• Tier 1: Prenatal depression, self-esteem, childcare stress, and prenatal anxiety
• Tier 2: Life stress, social support, quality of marital relationship, history of previous depression
• Tier 3: Infant temperament
• Tier 4: Maternity blues, marital status
• Tier 5: Socioeconomic status
• Tier 6: Unwanted / unplanned pregnancy

If you already suffer from depression, you’re more likely to have postpartum depression. That’s a good reason for treating your depression before you try to get pregnant. You should also be proactive about addressing issues of self-esteem and stress. The quality of your marital relationship is one of the leading predictors of postpartum depression, so, if you’re giving thought to conceiving, it’s an opportune time for couples counseling. Working on your relationship now can reduce your chances of postpartum depression later.

General stress reduction is an excellent idea for an expecting mother or a woman who is thinking about conceiving. Stress reduction can be achieved through therapy and neurofeedback; therapy offers a mind-based approach to reducing stress, whereas neurofeedback can inhibit oscillatory brainwaves that give rise to, and engrain, stress in your daily life. Stress is one of the most common complaints encountered in therapeutic settings; fortunately, stress is also susceptible to being understood, managed, and reduced.

Forewarned is forearmed. We already have a good idea of the factors that are associated with postpartum depression. Taking action to promote your mental health, strengthening your relationship, and managing your life stressors can reduce the odds that you’ll experience postpartum depression. The very predictability of postpartum depression tells us that this experience is not a character flaw or a personal failing; it’s the result of chemical, electrical, individual, and social patterns that can all be acted upon positively in a supportive therapeutic setting.