Many new mothers – the latest statistic estimates 3 million in America alone – suffer from postpartum depression every year. While many assume that taking antidepressants is the only alternative to the depression going untreated, this is not true. A new study has revealed that while 50% of women who were treated with anti-depressants or psychotherapy still experienced postpartum depression, that number was cut to 18% in those who practiced mindfulness. The study, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology highlights Dr. Sona Dimidjian’s findings — that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is the most effective form of treatment for mothers suffering from postpartum. This newfound information will help to bridge the gap between the options currently available to pregnant and new mothers and what types of treatment they are seeking.
Click here to read the full article by Carolyn Gregoire for Huffington Post.