Kaleigh
Velasquez is an undergraduate student here at Trinity Christian College.
The article that I reviewed deals
with postpartum depression and how religion may play a role in overcoming this
disorder (Zittel-Palamara, Cercone & Rockmaker, 2009). Postpartum
depression is a form of depression that happens after a woman gives birth. The
symptoms are similar to major depression and are characterized by anxiety,
having a short temper, feeling hopeless or guilty, a decrease in appetite,
inability to focus, decreased interest in the baby, and having trouble
sleeping.
Postpartum depression is more likely
in disadvantaged communities than in advantaged communities and also higher
within African American and Latino communities rather than Caucasians. This
type of depression affects between 15% to 25% of woman annually, but there are
also reports of 34% to 55% of woman suffering (Zittel-Palamara, Cercone &
Rockmaker, 2009).
When it comes to treatments, the
most common is medication and specifically antidepressants. Even though
antidepressants may work for a certain client, many clients claim they take
them without knowing their other treatment options. Other medical treatments
include alternative medicines and hormone treatments. A medical perspective
also uses hospitalization, as well as day and visitation programs. Another form
of treatment is psychological based interventions. These include individual and
group counseling.
There are different types of
treatment that combat postpartum depression, some of them with the use of
religion and spirituality. It is said that nearly 60% of the women struggling
found strength in religion. There are different ways in which a professionals
may introduce spirituality into a treatment. One way is having the professional
bring spirituality into the session directly. Another way is having the client
bring spirituality into the session willingly (Zittel-Palamara, Cercone &
Rockmaker, 2009).
In one study almost two-thirds of
the participants disclosed that they found strength from their religion. Of the
women in the study, the vast majority reported having limited ability to access
postpartum depression care. Over 50% of the women in the study that wanted
spiritual guidance reported that it was not hard for them to find postpartum
depression care. This study found that a lack of desire to seek spiritual
assistance could actually be linked to these women’s longer exposure to mental
health issues in their lives before their pregnancy (Zittel-Palamara, Cercone
& Rockmaker, 2009) .
Women who believe that they find
strength in their religion would be well served to seek treatment for postpartum
depression that includes spirituality. When a person is under great stress and
feelings of desperation, it is wise to turn to religion and spirituality
because it appears to be a positive strategy to cope with these issues.
Numerous studies done with people of color and individuals suffering from
mental health issues have shown that people who turn to spirituality reported
decrease in symptoms, a better outlook, and increased positivity
(Zittel-Palamara, Cercone & Rockmaker, 2009).
My understanding of depression leads
me to think that even with all the treatment options out there it is hard to
find one that relieves the depression. Based on this article, I have learned
that religion is a big part in the treatment process for some women. I feel
like being prescribed antidepressants could have variable results and finding
the strength through religion could be a stable base for some of these women
struggling. Many people may need to be prescribed medications but can also
focus on religion as part of their treatment plan.
This article leaves me wanting to do
more research on the medical based treatments to see how
effective/non-effective they are in comparison.
Also, a critique would be for them to do more follow-up studies so they
know their results can be repeated.
References:
Zittel-Palamara,
K., Cercone, S.A. & Rockmaker, J.R. (2009). Spiritual support for women
with postpartum depression. Journal of
psychology and Christianity, 28(3), 213-223.
