Maternal depression is a condition that causes women to experience negative symptoms. According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, women of childbearing age are at greater risk for depression than their older or younger counterparts and are particularly at risk for depressive symptoms after giving birth--a condition known as postpartum depression. According to Harvard University, an estimated 10 to 20 percent of mothers will experience depression at some point in their lifetimes. Maternal depression affects more than just a mother--it also can affect her whole family, including her child. For this reason, it's important to seek medical help for depressive symptoms for the benefit of both the mother and child.
Reduction in Cognitive Development
According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, children of clinically depressed mothers experience difficulty with attention and arousal. Because depressed mothers are linked with providing less stimulation to their children, the children may not learn as quickly or process information as quickly. Language and communicative ability also may suffer as a result of maternal depression.
A Harvard University report indicates that children raised by a chronically depressed mother are more likely to score lower on cognitive, emotional and behavioral tests than children who are not. This can have long-lasting repercussions, such as affecting a child's future ability to be successful at a job or to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Reduction in Child's Behavioral Development
Depressed mothers display a number of behaviors that affect children, including giving less attention to children, always portraying a negative attitude and an inability to solve problems, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. As a result, children may experience harmful effects, such as a likelihood to be more depressed, aggressive and destructive. Other negative behaviors include a tendency to engage in less creative play and to be more likely to respond negatively to those who approach them positively.
Difficulty Carrying Out Everyday Tasks
When a mother is depressed, she may experience a number of difficulties related to caring for her child or children. According to Harvard University, these include the lack of drive or willpower to improve relationships with their children; carry out basic caregiving tasks; or take the time to spend time nurturing a child with emotional support.
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, maternal depression also makes a woman less likely to provide the appropriate caregiving measures to her child, such as breastfeeding, safety and preventive health measures.
References
- National Center for Children in Poverty: Reducing Maternal Depression and Its Impact on Young Children
- The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry: Effects of Early Maternal Depression
- Canadian Pediatric Society: Maternal Depression and Child Development
- Journal Consult Clinical Psychology: Examining Maternal Depression and Attachment Insecurity
- Harvard University: Center on the Developing Child
