The topic of my blog this week is the affect of maternal depression, in victims of domestic violence, on their children. I became interested in this subject during the time that I was the Director of the child care facility at a domestic violence shelter. Research shows that any woman can develop depression, but women who are in domestic violence situations are more likely than other women to suffer from this type of mental health issue (World Health Organization, 2013). I found this to be true in the families that I worked with, because women who are escaping domestic violence situations have to deal with a lot of loss, which causes depression. When they are with their abuser they become depressed at the thought of being abused, or having the abuser hurt the children. When they leave the abusive situation they can become even more depressed because they usually lose their partner, sometimes their home and possessions, and often other members of their friends and family. They are often barely able to take care of themselves, not to mention caring for the needs of their children. Studies have shown that women who have been through significant amounts trauma actually don't even enjoy parenting much (Banyard, J.,Williams, V., &Siegal, L., 2003). Young children rely on their mothers to be there for them, and when the mothers are so overwhelmed and depressed, the children don't get what they need.
Maternal depression overall has become a topic of interest in many countries, and has become an issue of concern in Canada. Canadian doctors observe that depressed mothers are often not able to pick up on the cues of their babies and respond to their needs (Medical News Today, 2004). They are working with these mothers to help them recognize their infants signals and respond appropriately in an effort to help create attachment and avoid future issues.
I believe that this information will impact my work as I collaborate with the Infant Toddler Specialists who work with providers in high risk programs. Becoming a new mother can be especially overwhelming for a woman in crisis, and by sharing this information with the IT Specialists, they can coach the providers to be a support to these mothers in their program who may be experiencing depression.
Resources
Banyard, J., Williams, V., & Siegal, L. (2003). The impact of complex trauma and depression on parenting: An exploration of mediating risk and protective factors.Child welfare information gateway, 8(4), 334-349. Retrieved from http://library.childwelfare.gov
Medical News Today.(2004). Maternal depression can seriously affect a child's development. Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com
World Health Organization. (2013). Maternal mental health and child development. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/MaternalMH/en/index.html
Hi Carolyn! I enjoyed reading your post. I think that mothers who are suffering from depression and domestic violence need lots of support and encouragement. I also think that as a professional in early childhood it is important that I and all other early childhood professionals be trained to help mothers who are victims of domestic violence and depression.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and it really hit close to home. The statement you made about "Young children rely on their mothers to be there for them, and when the mothers are so overwhelmed and depressed, the children don't get what they need," is so true. I grew up in a domestic type atmosphere and I can so relate to my mom not being there during the abuse and as a child not getting what I needed or want.
I listened to Dr. Brazelton speak on maternal depression several years ago and the differences in how societies view birth and how they treat new mothers in post partum care have a direct correlation to that society's numbers of post partum depression. He talked of a community he had visited where the new mothers and babies are nurtured and totally cared for in calm environments and they had zero reports of post partum depression. I find this facinating and it certainly is an indicator that we could have an affect on if we chose to consider our attitudes towards new mothers and their babies.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, I enjoyed reading your post it was very informative
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I was filled with important information. Maternal depression and domestic voilence are important topics. Sometimes we don't always see or know the signs so if we stay informed we will be able to help in the long run.