This article reports on a study that led to development of a theory of postpartum depression. Data were obtained from a support group over an 18-month period & 12 in-depth interviews. Data analysis revealed loss of control as the basic social problem. Women suffering from postpartum depression attempted to cope with this problem through the 4-stage process of teetering on the edge. The stages included encountering terror, dying of self, struggling to survive, & regaining control. (25 Refs.)