A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years
Product Description
Depression affects women almost twice as often as men, with about one in four women suffering from it in her lifetime. While depression may strike at any time, studies show that women are particularly vulnerable during their childbearing years. Despite the increasing awareness of this deeply concerning issue, many studies and health professionals still continue to focus almost solely on postpartum depression, ignoring the fact that depression is just as likely to af… More >>
Tagged with: blue • Childbearing • Deeper • Depression • Guide • Recognizing • Shade • treating • Woman's • Years
Filed under: Pregnancy Depression
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Ruta Nonacs offers a wonderful guide to the sometimes rocky road to becoming a mother. Her book is a practical guide to navigating the emotional ups and downs of infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, and postpartum.
No one tells you how hard it can be — I’m a naturally cheerful person who was laid low by an entirely unexpected depression after my first child was born. No one who knew me predicted this. And I was very slow to get help. I wish this book had been available then.
Luckily, I live in Boston and found Dr. Nonacs, who worked with me to get through the blues — she is an incredibily empathetic care giver. She’s also a terrific writer. And she has little kids herself, so she can bring a wide perspective to her work — as a doctor, a shrink, and a mom.
If you or a woman you care about is suffering with depression, moodiness, a difficult transition to motherhood, or postpartum stress, buy this book. You can read it straight through, or dip into the sections that best apply to your situation. There’s also an extensive bibliography/resource section in the back.
I can heartily recommend this book for all new mothers. Her advice on taking care of yourself when you most need to applies to all mothers, not just those with an extra dose of the blues.
Rating: 5 / 5
I am a child psychiatrist (no longer in training although my review title still refers to me as such), and I work closely with the parents of my patients. I am always looking for books that provide thoughtful accessible guidance for parents. This book is a gem and I will be recommending it often.
While the discussion of mood disorders, diagnosis and treatment, pre-conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum is completely comprehensive, this book doesn’t just focus on psychiatric diagnoses. It talks openly and wisely about the emotional adjustment required when one becomes a parent. It provides advice on how couples can argue in a fair manner, to preserve connection during stressful times. It explains how different types of psychotherapies may be useful. This book has a great deal to offer. It is very impressive.
Rating: 5 / 5