Working Moms Undiagnosed for Depression

Working Moms Undiagnosed for Depression

by Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc and Pina LoGiudice ND, LAc (www.InnerSourceHealth.com)

An evaluation of national data on 2,130 mothers revealed that working mothers with depression were less likely to receive adequate treatment, possibly because excessive work hours do not allow time for proper care. It seems working mothers are greater risk for more difficulty from depression, for more than 65 percent of U.S. mothers with depression don't receive adequate treatment, a new study has found. Even more, Black, Hispanic and other minority mothers are least likely to receive adequate treatment. Moms with health insurance are three times more likely to receive adequate treatment. Depression in mothers can have a major impact on the entire family, especially on the health and well-being of their children, the researchers noted. Treating depression in mothers can improve the long-term health of their families. Mothers with depression have children with higher incidences of a number of diseases, including asthma and psychological illness.

Commentary: Given this information, it seems crucial that the workplace becomes a place where working moms can have access to proper diagnostic techniques and integrative health solutions. Oftentimes, discussion of the condition with an empathic ear can be a part of the healing. Furthermore, there are numerous natural remedies that are very useful to help moms feel better while lifestyle and environmental changes are sought.

Note: Dr. Peter Bongiorno’s book: Naturopathic Treatments for Depression will be released in January of 2010 (CCNM Press).

Reference: Litzelman et al. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research e-publication ahead of print (November 2009)