Depression for New Mothers Alarming

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A new study said depression in new mothers is alarming. More than half of impoverished mothers are suffering from depression and their babies could be the secondary victims.

The new data comes from mothers who were interviewed when their babies were 9 months old, back in 2001. The survey included information about their personal and family circumstances.

A new study out of the nation's capital said more than half of babies in poverty are raised by mothers who show signs of mild to severe depression.

"Which translates for us as a community into 4,000-5,000 infants who will have a difficult time forming an attachment, who will have a difficult time because they won't receive the positive interaction from their parents," said Doug Imig.

Imig said the research at the district-based Urban Institute applies heavily here in Memphis. Imig, a researcher himself with the local Urban Child Institute, not affiliated with the study, said the research shows the severely depressed group was 44 percent white, 30 percent black, and 21 percent Hispanic.

"The likelihood of a low income, living in poverty, showing signs of depression is much greater for minority moms and it stands to reason because in many ways, it's an appropriate response to a situation characterized by great transience, and uncertainty, and lack of support, there are families that need our help," said Imig.

Licensed Therapist Travis Hill said the effects of depression, if left untreated, could be harmful for families' long term. Children will begin to mimic parents' behaviors, and in some cases, children start to assume adult roles and responsibilities.

"Having kids is about giving up your resources, so you have to give up your money, time, and energy. When you feel depressed, you don't have the energy for yourself, so you don't have the energy to give your child," said Hill.

So the effects are cyclical, and the problems compound themselves, which is why Hill said it's important to get help, even if it's just talking to a professional.

"The purpose of talking out the problem is so you can start to resolve the problem. If you can do that, the symptoms typically go away," said Hill.

This allows mothers to get back to the business of raising emotionally-rich babies.

"Anything we can do to put those children on the right pathway to early childhood success is the right pathway for all of us, as a community," said Imig.

Signs and symptoms of depression may include the following: difficulty concentrating, fatigue and decreased energy, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, insomnia or excessive sleeping, and overeating or loss of appetite.