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

by Ruta Nonacs (Author) "Despite the intense efforts of the medical community and the media to publicize the problem of depression and to educate the public, depression remains both..." (more)
Key Phrases: women with postpartum psychosis, reproductive safety, infant sleep problems, United States, Deeper Shade of Blue, Great Britain (more...)

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...Failure to recognize and treat [this] depression...cannot be an option."

-- from the Foreword by Lee S. Cohen, M.D.

"This book is unique because it discusses depression within the context of women's health needs, but it will be useful for anyone seeking in-depth information about the disease. Highly recommended."

-- Library Journal

"Timely and critical. A lot has been written about postpartum depression -- but very little about depression pertaining to the entire process of childbearing and rearing. Dr. Nonacs has done a fantastic job of illuminating and elucidating this condition, in prose that is at once authoritative and empathic. I am thankful for her book in particular and her work in general."

-- Lauren Slater, author of Opening Skinner's Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
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.

See all Editorial Reviews

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 (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #645,201 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #65 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Postpartum Depression

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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

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.

3 of 3 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

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.