The Urban Institute did a study that revealed a scary statistic: “more than half of infants living in poverty are being raised by mothers suffering from depression (Chavis).” Low-income parents usually don’t have insurance to cover the cost of mental health treatment. This article explains that mental health services should be offered for mothers who cannot afford it since they are most likely already receiving WIC or food stamps. Problems with depression do not only affect low income parents in fact “Findings revealed that 41 percent of mother across all age and income brackets reported some symptoms of depression, and 7 percent reported severe symptoms.”
This article was not only looking at low income mothers with depression but they were the main concern. Mothers who suffer from depression but receive more than low income wages have more of an opportunity to obtain treatment. The results from this study were very alarming and public health services are aiming to find more help for low income mothers with depression.
During my orientation for Baby Steps, Diane, who is the coordinator of the program, mentioned a lot of different issues low income mothers face. She mentioned drug abuse, missing doctor’s appointments, and unreliable child care. The classes offered are not only to help a mother raise a healthy baby but also to help her stay healthy as well. I wondered at the time if the mothers participating in Baby Steps were ever tested for depression or other psychological illnesses because even after they graduate from the program mental illness will be a persisting problem that could get in the way of them advancing toward living successfully on their own. I would like to know more about the affects of depression and stress on a developing child and how those things make programs such as Baby Steps more necessary.
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