A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years

by Ruta M. Nonacs

Depression affects women almost twice as often as men, with about one in four women suffering from it at some point in her lifetime. While depression may strike at any time, studies show that women appear to be particularly vulnerable during their childbearing years. This comprehensive and empathetic book confronts the seldom-talked-about issue of pregnancy-related depression, identifying symptoms, treatments, and cures for this constellation of serious, underdiagnosed, and surprisingly common emotional conditions.

Topics covered include the emotional repercussions of infertility and miscarriage, depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and the impact of maternal depression on spouse and family. Also addressed are the many aspects of a woman's life -- career, education, marriage, and a host of other factors -- that may increase her stress during the span of her childbearing years and make her especially susceptible to emotional difficulties.

Straightforward, honest, and sensitive, A Deeper Shade of Blue speaks directly to women at risk of or suffering from depression within the context of childbearing and provides the information they need to get the best care, during pregnancy and beyond.

Genres: Womens

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Brittany Nasgovitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, informational. The reason I gave it a 3 is because a lot of the info is extremely repetitive, and I’ve already studied this topic voraciously. Plus it is from 2006 so obviously there is no info on the more current medications for depressive illness. Overall the message is that depression is highly treatable and that there are contradictory studies for almost all antidepressants for pregnancy and postpartum women. The lowest or no-risk choices for the fetus include talk therapy, and ECT. But sometimes the danger of the depressive illness outweighs the danger of medication. So medication must be considered in severe cases. Includes questionnaires to help you decide what treatment you should seek based on your history.

[Megan Jacobsmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and most reliable resource I found on the subject. So many books on this topic are too medical or too personal. This one was well balanced. Any woman who feels a shift with their hormones should have this book as a resource.