Helping Mothers Cope

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DEPRESSION IN MOTHERHOOD

"...mothers are the most depressed segment of the American population"
- Ariel Gore

Note: This page refers to (widespread) depression in mothers that is not related to childbirth. I.E. we are not talking about postpartum depression

"Almost one-fourth of American women..will cope with depression and other associated disorders (like anxiety and substance abuse) during their lifetimes... The majority of these women.. are parents (Nicholson, Henry, Clayfield & Phillips, 2001, p. vix)."

See full references below.

WHY DO MOTHERS GET DEPRESSED?

• Violence against women - one in five women experienced child sexual abuse; physical abuse and neglect are even more common. Women continue to be at risk for rape and domestic abuse throughout their lives...

• Poverty - single mothers raising children comprise the majority (55%) of poor families; poor women have fewer resources and less support. Middle-class women may become poor once they divorce.

• Fatigue and sleep deprivation - (that goes on for years sometimes) both have alarming effects on women's health and the health of their loved ones.

• Loss - has many faces for for childbearing women - loss of pregnancy, the ideal birth, loss of fertility, loss of the perfect baby etc. Women are seldom given a chance to grieve.

• Social Isolation and lack of social support - Being at home with a toddler, mothering in a new community without family and friends etc.

Source: The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD

"Throughout their lives, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. And mothers of young children are particularly vulnerable"

- McGrath*

*References:

Nicholson, J; Henry, A; Clayfield, J; Phillips, S. (2001). Parenting Well when you're depressed: a complete resource for maintaining a healthy family.

Gore, Ariel (2000). The Mother Trip

*Kendall-Tackett, Kathleen. (2001). The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with stress, depression and burnout. Click here for a review of this book.

What Every Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional Health (Paperback) by Deborah Sichel (Author), Jeanne Watson Driscoll

If you are struggling in anyway
or would like someone to talk to about mothering concerns,
please email: Kim@themommyblues.com. 

As a psychotherapist, postpartum counselor and mother's coach, Kim Richardson specializes in helping and supporting all moms who are stressed and overwhelmed. She works with new mothers during pregnancy, adoption, fertility and early motherhood and has specialized in treatment, education and diagnosis of postpartum depression.

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