Brookhaven Retreat Observes "Make a Difference to Children" Month
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 -- July is National "Make a Difference to Children" Month. Sponsored by Kim Ratz, this is a month to improve the quality of life of children everywhere. Brookhaven Retreat recognizes postpartum depression’s damaging effect on children’s lives and urges women not to stay silent about their suffering.
Perinatal mood disorders are the most common complication associated with childbirth. In a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, 14 percent of women experienced postpartum depression after childbirth.
Studies show that postpartum depression can affect newborn children, resulting in lower IQ, slower language development and a greater chance of ADHD. This is thought to be because depressed mothers are unable to provide adequate emotional and physical stimulation such as speaking, smiling or playing.
Women with postpartum depression experience similar mental health issues as women with other mood disorders. Family relationships and child development suffer. Women may also become chemically dependent as they turn to substance abuse and addictive behaviors to soothe feelings of anger, depression, ambivalence or anxiety. In some women, feelings of depression and listlessness do not ease with time.
Because of the stigma associated with mental health, many women don’t seek help for postpartum depression, further endangering themselves and their children. Women also often struggle to come to terms with feelings that are dissociated from the cultural image of motherhood.
Some women fear exposing newborns to antidepressant medication through breast milk. However, a 1999 study found that only small concentrations of antidepressants enter breast milk. Further studies suggest that babies exposed to antidepressants have similar IQs to unexposed babies.
Brookhaven Retreat urges all pregnant women to make a post-pregnancy mental health plan that addresses the risk for postpartum depression. Appropriate treatment ensures a woman’s health and happiness along with the wellbeing of her children. Addressing postpartum depression as soon as possible benefits children, their families and ultimately, the community.
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.
Jessica Wirth, Brookhaven Retreat, http://www.brookhavenretreat.com, 865.573.3656, [email protected]
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