Another study that hits home and emphasizes the fact that if mom is not healthy, physically and mentally, it effects the whole family. According to USA Today, each year 10 to 14 million Americans experience clinical depression, and women are twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression. The study shows that a mother's depression left untreated, increases her child's risk of such problems.
The lead author in the study, Psychologist Myrna Weissman, said, "We know depression and other disorders are brought on by strong environmental stresses. Having a parent with an illness is a big environmental stress." The study results indicate that for children of depressed mothers, environmental triggers are often their mother's illness acting up.
The most important finding is that effective treatment for mothers, means their children can avoid the need for prescription anti-depressants. Weissman went on to say, "Depressed parents should be treated vigorously. It's a two-fer, the impact not only benefits the mother's but also the children."
Ladies, if this isn't a wake up call to take of yourselves, I don't know what is. You're not helping anyone by putting your needs last!
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