Depression in Motherhood

Supporting New Mothers Since 2001
Kim A Richardson, M.A.
Psychotherapist, Life Coach
and Postpartum Depression
Counselor.

Helping You
through the chaos to the wisdom of
discovering your unique mothering identity.

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depression in motherhood

Note: On this page we are not talking about postpartum depression. We are talking about (widespread) depression in mothers that is not related to childbirth.

"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)."

"...mothers are the most depressed segment of the American population (Gore, 2000, p.5)."

"Throughout their lives, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. And mothers of young children are particularly vulnerable (McGrath et al, 1990 in Kendall-Tackett, 2001, p. 19)."

See full references below.

womaninpain

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

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

There are various types of depression that are categorized in the Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) according to how severe the symptoms are, the length of time these symptoms are present, or what the depression is believe to be caused by. Click on the following links to find out more about each kind of depression:

Long standing, chronic low grade depressions (dysthymia)
Very acute severe sudden depressions (Major Depression)
Depressions that follow or precede periods of high bliss and elation (Bipolar Disorder, formely known as manic-depression)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression evident in winter)
Depression during Pregnancy (Prenatal Depression and Anxiety)
Depression following birth (Postpartum Depression and Anxiety)
Complicated Mourning
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder