People.com is now reporting that Britney Spears did in fact suffer from postpartum depression. Not surprising. I’ve been saying all along that it seemed like her life was bumping right along until she had her children, and then there seemed to be a huge change in her demeanor.

Britney Spears has "suffered from a psychological disease for years," says a source close to the singer.

Two separate sources who are acquaintances of the family believe the singer has never been formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but "there is no question she is bipolar … she’s had manic episodes for years" …

PEOPLE has learned from multiple sources that the singer also suffered from depression after both her pregnancies. "She had postpartum depression after Preston was born," says a source who was close to the family during her marriage to Kevin Federline. "She didn’t want anyone’s help … It got worse after Jayden was born" …

A close family friend says "the tragic thing is that Britney loves her children and would never knowingly put them in harms way. Her mental instability is getting in the way of her making proper judgment and it’s extremely unfortunate."

If it is true, the important thing to point out here is how important it is to seek treatment. A lot of us don’t want any help, as the article states about Britney, because we don’t want people to know and we don’t want to admit that we may need therapy or medication. And in her case, I can completely understand her reluctance since she knew any problems she had would be shared with the entire world. But the alternative is SO much worse. I’d rather admit maybe I’m not the invincible person I thought I was than to descend into a vortex of misery. Untreated mental illness can become much worse, and have a greater negative impact on the sufferer and everyone around them. Get past the stigma, get past the fear, get past the disappointment and reach out. Ask for help. You and everyone around you will benefit from your courage.