Depression: Supermoms at higher risk to be depressed
Saturday, August 27th, 2011
A recent study reveals that moms who work are less likely to suffer from depression compared to stay-at-home mommies.
Moms who work but keep unrealistic expectations about family and work expectatcions and do not cut themselves some slack are more likely to have worse bouts of depression compared to their more relaxed counterparts.
The survey involved 1,600 women in the US who are married who had children and are enlisted on a survey called National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.
The women were asked for their opinions when they were between 22 thru 30 years old about outdated statements about family and work and how women balance their responsibilities. The level of depression among these women were measured when they reached forty years old.
The study revealed that women who worked part time or full time had lower risks to suffer from depression compared to moms who are stay-at-home parents. Some symptoms of depression includes lack of concentration, being sad and restless, loneliness, problem sleeping, or having difficulties starting the day.
The study drives at the mismatch of the expectations of women on their abilities to balance work and family. It also points out that women who work still manage most of the household chores and take care of their kids.
The study also points out that women who have realistic work-family goals and expectations are most likely to end up with husbands who will help them with the family responsibilities. The realistic expectations also help these women to be less depressed.
Having the supermom complex will not help address the issues but delegation of work and letting your family help will help ease the depression.