The Relationship Between Maternal and Child Mental Health
Mental health, put simply, refers to the state of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Declining mental health can be characterized by a lack of emotional or psychological well-being, which can present itself in many ways. For many, different mental health disorders can arise, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Individuals struggling with depression face unique and challenging symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include long periods of feeling unmotivated and unhappy. Similarly, individuals struggling with anxiety may have symptoms like constant feelings of nervousness or dread. Tasks generally thought to be simple, such as getting out of bed, completing errands, and taking care of oneself and their loved ones can become extremely difficult for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
In a recent study, researchers found that maternal depression and stress can affect the mental health of their children. Furthermore, researchers found that the reverse also holds true. The researchers surveyed parents over 15 years using a longitudinal study to see if there was a connection between reported parental mental health and the mental health of their children. At the start of the study and then after five, nine, and fifteen years, parents were asked a series of questions regarding whether they had issues with emotions, fatigue, lack of sleep, weight gain, etc. All of these questions were designed to assess whether the parents exhibited symptoms of depression or anxiety. Afterwards, parents completed a survey regarding their own child’s symptoms, which were then examined for symptoms of depression or anxiety as well. Examples of symptoms exhibited by children with depression or anxiety include frequent feelings of nervousness, guilt, crying, worrying, etc.
In a recent study, researchers found that maternal depression and stress can affect the mental health of their children. Furthermore, researchers found that the reverse also holds true. The researchers surveyed parents over 15 years using a longitudinal study to see if there was a connection between reported parental mental health and the mental health of their children. At the start of the study and then after five, nine, and fifteen years, parents were asked a series of questions regarding whether they had issues with emotions, fatigue, lack of sleep, weight gain, etc. All of these questions were designed to assess whether the parents exhibited symptoms of depression or anxiety. Afterwards, parents completed a survey regarding their own child’s symptoms, which were then examined for symptoms of depression or anxiety as well. Examples of symptoms exhibited by children with depression or anxiety include frequent feelings of nervousness, guilt, crying, worrying, etc.
Depressive symptoms often include feelings of sadness, worry, worthlessness, and self-harm.
Image Source: Anh Nguyen
Over the span of 15 years, researchers found that maternal depressive and stress symptoms at the nine-year mark predicted depressive and anxious symptoms shown in children at the 15-year mark. Furthermore, throughout the 15 years, children showing anxious and depressive symptoms consistently corresponded to their mothers' also experiencing anxious and depressive symptoms. These findings show that there is a link between the depressive and anxious symptoms of children and that of their mothers, and vice-versa.
While this study shows significant results, it does have limitations. For one, parents were asked to report their child’s symptoms. The parent’s assessment of their child may not be as representative or accurate as self-reporting from the children themselves. Moreover, this study focused on underserved Hispanic populations and lacked a diverse sample size.
Further studies must be done to bridge these limitations so that this research can be applied to the general public. Nonetheless, the research done in this study showcases the impact of mental health and the interdependence of mental health within families. The symptoms may not only impact the individual, but also their mother or child. A major takeaway from this study is that it is very important to take care of one’s mental health. It not only improves one’s own well-being, but also that of their loved ones. For mothers and children, working towards overcoming mental illness is vital for the well-being of both groups.
While this study shows significant results, it does have limitations. For one, parents were asked to report their child’s symptoms. The parent’s assessment of their child may not be as representative or accurate as self-reporting from the children themselves. Moreover, this study focused on underserved Hispanic populations and lacked a diverse sample size.
Further studies must be done to bridge these limitations so that this research can be applied to the general public. Nonetheless, the research done in this study showcases the impact of mental health and the interdependence of mental health within families. The symptoms may not only impact the individual, but also their mother or child. A major takeaway from this study is that it is very important to take care of one’s mental health. It not only improves one’s own well-being, but also that of their loved ones. For mothers and children, working towards overcoming mental illness is vital for the well-being of both groups.
Featured Image Source: Xavier Mouton Photographie
RELATED ARTICLES
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|