Working Moms Depressed

A new study shows 91% of working moms say they have felt the symptoms of depression. CNN interviewed the editor and chief of Working Mother magazine. According to their survey, depression is alarmingly present among working moms today. About 500 women answered the on-line survey to get these results. Nationally, 1 in 5 women are depressed.

The magazine editor says she was surprised by which women reported depression. She said it wasn't necessarily those with newborn babies suffering from post partum depression. It was women with kids older than two years old. Fifty-two percent of the women who responded said they did not seek professional help for depression.

The survey found the women who do the most: work, take care of kids, cook and are great wives, tend to suffer the most depression. Talk therapy, medication and self care seemed to be what brings most of these women out of depression. Self care can include having a cup of coffee with a friend, getting massage or just taking a bath without interruption.

Signs of Depression:
1. Someone is not taking joy out something they usually get a kick out of.
2. If someone seems stressed and lacking their usual personality
3. Lack of sleep
4. Lack of appetite

If you or someone you know fits these symptoms, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. The holidays certainly can be stressful. I think it's sometimes hard to distinguish between stress and depression.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.