A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years [Hardcover]

Ruta Nonacs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Depression affects women almost twice as often as men, with about one in four women suffering from it at some point in her lifetime. While depression may strike at any time, studies show that women appear to be particularly vulnerable during their childbearing years. This comprehensive and empathetic book confronts the seldom-talked-about issue of pregnancy-related depression, identifying symptoms, treatments, and cures for this constellation of serious, underdiagnosed, and surprisingly common emotional conditions.

Topics covered include the emotional repercussions of infertility and miscarriage, depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and the impact of maternal depression on spouse and family. Also addressed are the many aspects of a woman's life -- career, education, marriage, and a host of other factors -- that may increase her stress during the span of her childbearing years and make her especially susceptible to emotional difficulties.

Straightforward, honest, and sensitive, A Deeper Shade of Blue speaks directly to women at risk of or suffering from depression within the context of childbearing and provides the information they need to get the best care, during pregnancy and beyond.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Deeper Shade of Blue takes great steps to provide us with a clear road map to a more complete understanding of depression during the childbearing years, its recognition and treatment, and...the extent to which it is treatable. "From PMS, to depression during pregnancy, to postpartum mood disorders, women need to be able to distinguish what is normal from what is more serious and in need of definitive treatment.... Failure to recognize and treat depression during the childbearing years cannot be an option." -- From the Foreword by Lee S. Cohen, M.D. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Dr. Ruta Nonacs, M.D., Ph.D., is the associate director of the Center for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743254732
• ISBN-13: 978-0743254731
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,227,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

RUTA NONACS, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing psychiatrist, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and the Associate Director of the Center for
Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Nonacs received her M.D. from Cornell University Medical College and her Ph.D. from Rockefeller University in New York. She is the recipient of several awards and honors for her research in the area of women's mental health. Dr. Nonacs lives with her family outside of Boston, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific guide to navigating pregnancy and postpartum -- warm and engaging, July 28, 2006

By 

A reader (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years (Hardcover)

Ruta Nonacs offers a wonderful guide to the sometimes rocky road to becoming a mother. Her book is a practical guide to navigating the emotional ups and downs of infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, and postpartum.

No one tells you how hard it can be -- I'm a naturally cheerful person who was laid low by an entirely unexpected depression after my first child was born. No one who knew me predicted this. And I was very slow to get help. I wish this book had been available then.

Luckily, I live in Boston and found Dr. Nonacs, who worked with me to get through the blues -- she is an incredibily empathetic care giver. She's also a terrific writer. And she has little kids herself, so she can bring a wide perspective to her work --- as a doctor, a shrink, and a mom.

If you or a woman you care about is suffering with depression, moodiness, a difficult transition to motherhood, or postpartum stress, buy this book. You can read it straight through, or dip into the sections that best apply to your situation. There's also an extensive bibliography/resource section in the back.

I can heartily recommend this book for all new mothers. Her advice on taking care of yourself when you most need to applies to all mothers, not just those with an extra dose of the blues.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, easy to read --This book is a gift to women everywhere, October 9, 2006

By 

Psychiatrist in training (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years (Hardcover)

I am a child psychiatrist (no longer in training although my review title still refers to me as such), and I work closely with the parents of my patients. I am always looking for books that provide thoughtful accessible guidance for parents. This book is a gem and I will be recommending it often.

While the discussion of mood disorders, diagnosis and treatment, pre-conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum is completely comprehensive, this book doesn't just focus on psychiatric diagnoses. It talks openly and wisely about the emotional adjustment required when one becomes a parent. It provides advice on how couples can argue in a fair manner, to preserve connection during stressful times. It explains how different types of psychotherapies may be useful. This book has a great deal to offer. It is very impressive.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply amazing!, August 27, 2010

By 

Christina J. Callahan - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years (Paperback)

This book is simply amazing.

I just had my second child, four months ago. Again, I am struggling with postpartum depression, although I didn't recognize it with my first until his pediatrician recognized it when my first was 15 months old! I am here to tell you that sometimes, it does not just go away.

If you are looking at this review, you probably have a sneaking suspicion that you have PPD. And because you want to get better, you will. If you are trying to get better, you are a good mom. You can take some steps to get better, and it might take a little time, but you will, and you will see how glorious life as a mom can truly be.

I am sitting here with this book open in front of me. I wish I had this before. This book is sizable and it might be overwhelming, esp if you are barely functioning beyond the basics right now. That's OK! Just read a little at a time. Small steps forward.

This is the most helpful book I have encountered (and I have checked out a LOT of books on this subject). This is the one I highly recommend. And if your OBGYN isn't helping you, or you can't be honest with them, go to someone else. At minimum, you need a professional checking up with you. You will get better that much faster.

If I hadn't been through this already, I wouldn't have the perspective that you WILL get better and it WILL be a beautiful life for you. Don't be afraid to take the actual steps to get better. Really, this book will help you.