Depression May Lead to Parenting Problems, Study Shows

Parents, academicians and experts agree that parenting is one of the most challenging roles of adulthood, says the British Columbia Council for Families (BCCF). Although great attention has always been allotted to understanding the effect of parenting on a child’s development, BCCF observes that less attention has been paid on the factors that influence the parent’s own sense of well-being. The council notes further noted that, because of the strong links with child development outcomes, both parenting stress and their sense of satisfaction with their parenting skills are of key concern to child and family researchers. Moreover, a new study conducted at the University of Rochester found that chronic stress and depression may reflect problems in parenting. The study in University of Rochester further shares the view that mothers suffering from depression and anxiety disorders may be oversensitive and highly reactive, while mothers who struggle financially or live in high-crime neighborhoods were more capable of t paying no attention to their children. They also found the psychosocial stressors (poverty and depression) interrupt the body’s stress response. As a result, mothers become more sensitive, hostile, intrusive or neglectful toward their children. Medical help are usually provided to parents who seek advice on how to deal with their stress and anxiety problems. Doctors often prescribe psychotherapy or oral medication, like antidepressant Zoloft, for example, to aid the patients in coping with their family issues. However, numerous medical reports from Zoloft users, in addition to research studies, consistently present that the drug may bring more harm than benefits. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued public health advisories stating that the drug may increase suicide risks and may also cause Zoloft birth defects to newborns. Other reported side effects of Zoloft include sexual dysfunction, psychosis, delusion, hallucination, memory loss, sleeping problems, eating disorders, abnormal personality changes, unusual mood shifts, irritability, hostility, self-harm and other acts of violence. Parents battling with depression should take note of these side effects because they can surely bring severe damages to themselves as well as to their families. In preparing for parenthood, adequate knowledge on effective parenting, and having ample social support, can relieve some burdens. Hence, either the father or mother or both should immediately seek medical help if depression and anxiety attacks stand in the way of parent-child relationship. As for parents taking antidepressants, it is safe for them to consider the adverse reports about Zoloft imply that antidepressants may not be the best way to deal with their problems. Healthcare experts may provide safer ways instead of antidepressants.