Consequences Of Maternal Depression On The Child
Everything in life is connected. Nothing happens by chance, as much as we believe in luck and coincidences. However, we give life and manage the future with our actions, our strengths and our weaknesses. And with regard to this last point, we must know that maternal depression can be destructive for our children.
It is obvious that we have not chosen to fall into depression. Likewise, we are not the ones who decide whether to get sick or not. However, we can be provident. Both towards ourselves and towards the baby we carry in our womb. We have to be strong and alert.
We must be aware that it is not only us who depend on our actions, but also our children. If we want to love them and take care of them, we must first love and take care of ourselves.
Because we cannot forget that, as mothers, we are linked to our little ones by an unusual and unparalleled strength. From this strong union, a very close bond is created, for better or for worse.
If there is anything bad in the world, it is maternal depression. A depressed mother suffers the mental devastation of a misunderstood and painful illness. But even our little ones are immersed in a world that they do not understand, but that they feel makes them suffer.
Influences of maternal depression on children
As we have said, the relationship and influence of parents on children will decisively mark the development of a child. This is why the state of mind in which a child is raised will be of vital importance in the correct upbringing of the child.
However, it is normal to feel fear and dizziness at the thought of the baby being born. Suddenly we find ourselves in our arms a tiny and defenseless creature that depends exclusively on us.
Its nutrition, the care it needs, its sustenance depend only on us.
But, we must never be overwhelmed by the hostile thoughts that assail us. We must overcome fear, be stronger and be aware that that child is the fruit of love.
No depression or illness should be able to stop us in our role as mothers raising their baby, the fruit of their womb.
How maternal depression affects children
This is why we must be foresight. We must care about our mental and physical health. Especially if we want to take on the enormous responsibility of giving birth to a child. We need to know that the first thing is to love each other, because there is no other way to sincerely love others.
And if we love each other, we take care of us. We all take care of what we love. Our body and mind have to come first. Only if our mental and physical health is good, will we be able to protect those who are unable to protect themselves but who deserve it.
Otherwise, we could cause serious health problems in our little ones and those around us.
For example, if we instill worry in our little ones, we generate in them great insecurities, weight loss, loss of appetite, lack of self-esteem, improper development and even impulse suppression – self-harm or much more serious situations that require professional intervention.
Maternal depression
Because maternal depression acts directly on each child’s waterline. That lack of energy, vital impulse and affectivity towards the child has deleterious effects on his young psyche, not yet fully developed.
A child needs affection, security, attention, points of reference, etc. If the latter fail due to depression, the child will try to please the parent rather than himself.
This is a stage in which the child has to focus his energies on himself. It cannot satisfy others, because otherwise this incorrect focus of energy is at the expense of its development.
And if this happens, the child finds himself in a position of absolute vulnerability. He may not be able to establish healthy interpersonal relationships. And therefore feel compelled to please even those who do not love or do not want it.
Therefore, as mothers, we must seek and find enormous willpower in ourselves. If we have decided to have children, we must be far-sighted and have great mental strength.
This is why it is important that we inform ourselves, that we take care of ourselves and have in mind everything we have to do, even if this frightens us or makes us feel insecure.
