Surviving Post-Natal Depression: At Home, No One Hears You Scream

by Cara Aiken

Research indicates that at least one in ten new mothers experience post-natal depression, yet there is little help available to sufferers. Cara Aiken's book will help them, and the professionals who work with them, to understand this illness. The book tells the stories of ten women from very different backgrounds - including the author - who have suffered post-natal depression. Their stories, told honestly and informally, will be a source of strength and hope for other sufferers. The book will also raise awareness of the illness and the destructive effect it can have on individuals and families. It offers positive suggestions and practical advice, based on personal and professional experience. It is a fresh, honest and positive book which will help professionals to understand post-natal depression and will be an invaluable resource for the many mothers who experience it.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lydia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can watch the full review on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uU5_YE6Af_c
This was a really good book and if you’ve been through PND or you think you’re going through it, or you work with people who are going through it, or somebody in the family is, etc, then it would definitely be a really good book to read. It really gets you to understand the multitude of issues that are going on and that there’s not necessarily one solution. This book really got across how abandoned mothers are, it might be the first baby, or it might be a later baby, it’s really the whole environment and the whole situation. Some people are more prone to depression, but it is also an incredibly difficult environment to be thrown into, especially if you’re someone who’s used to being independent and not having to ask for help, and you may be in this position now where you are asking for help and you’re not getting it. I think that a lot of being a parent is that you are thrown into this situation and it’s -sink or swim- sometimes you swim and it’s an amazing, wonderful time, even though it’s really hard work; and sometimes you sink because you just do not have the tools and the help that you need. I haven’t lived all my life yet, but I think that parenting is the hardest thing you do. It’s so hard and it’s so incredibly under-rated. As soon as you become a parent you’re almost looked at as if you’re lazy or stupid, which is madness because this is the hardest job you will ever do! It’s also the most important job you will ever do, by a lot!
This is a really important issue and I think it’s great that this book is available. It was written quite a while ago but it’s still relevant. The only thing I would say against this book is that it was a bit depressing to read! I went through post-natal depression, I’m not depressed anymore, but reading a whole book about depression was a bit depressing. However, it was still a really good book, really valuable, and I’m really glad I’ve read it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone going through it, thinks they’re going to go through it, or is around people who are going through it, because it gives really good insights.
You can watch the full review on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uU5_YE6Af_c

[Ema Lupu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The confessions are a bit repetitive, but the conclusions and the lists are wonderful.

[Yara · Rating 3 out of 5]

E-book from the college library.
Insightful, most chapters are written from personal experiences of several woman. I was impressed that there was a section on 'The Other Half' too, it's not common to hear what the men's challenges are at these difficult times.


CHAPTERS:
Introduction

Cara (who is the author!)

Rosemary

Jane

Julie

Pippa

Laura

Gail

Jenny

Sarah

Veritee

Summary

The Other Half

Post-Natal Illness: The Professional View

Practical Advice and Conclusions

The Myth of Perfect Mothering

Light at the End of the Tunnel