Nearly All Working Mothers Depressed?
According to a new Working Mother Magazine online survey of 500 women, 91 percent of working moms reported some symptoms of depression. Working Mother editor Suzanne Riss told CNN, "We were surprised by the volume . . . [P]eople don't really think about the fact that a couple of years later a lot of women are experiencing depression." (December 2008)
12.10.08
GREAT point, neuromom! I bet a number of the depressing factors may very well not have to do with working AND being a mother, but perhaps with simply being a mother in this culture: high expectations, little social structural support, less help from spouses than is fair, a continuing overemphasis on a woman's looks...
That said, I have felt blue when I have no time left over to do the things I love to do that aren't mothering or working. I've been on a campaign to fight external standards and set my own (the floor can be dirty, I'm questioning how essential some tasks are). I've sought out writing that would affirm that I don't have to worry so much. Dr. Marilyn Heins seems to have some good ideas. But yes, it's been a struggle. Parenting turned out to be a big guilt-trip where one feels watched and evaluated, instead of just having a child to love, and I'm sick of it. I feel like work might not have much to do with what makes me blue...
12.09.08
I agree that depression is a big problem- especially for women and especially for mothers. However, reports like this one should be interpreted in context. First, it is critical to know the percentage of NON-working mothers who are depressed. Otherwise there is no way to assess the effect of working of depression. Second, an online survey isn't a great way to gauge depression rates because the survey responders do not constitute a random sample. The actual percentage of working mothers suffering from depression could be higher or lower- we have no way of knowing.
12.09.08
I have three children, my oldest just turned four today. I work full time and my commute is over an hour long. I definitely feel blue now and then, I have a ton on my plate and I feel as if I'm constantly working and don't have any me time.
12.09.08
I have a toddler and work full-time, and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who is just overworked, overtired and not getting the support I need from the workplace. Am I surprised by these results? No. Am I concerned that people are just going to say it's women being overemotional women? Uh, yeah!
12.09.08
I am a mom of a toddler with another on the way, and work part-time. And most of the last 10 months that I've been working, I would say it's been going well, but lately I've definitely been struggling with some depression, since my job is frustrating and it doesnt seem worth it to leave my son. So I agree, working moms probably do have problems with depression in certain situations. Being a mom is tough!