Edie Hernandez Putt

Cracks in Motherhood: Study of Maternal Depression Among Latinas Edie Hernandez Putt

Maternal Depression is a clinical disorder which effects approximately 10-15% of childbearing aged women and typically assessed within the first year of her infant's birth. Various factors such as culture, language competency, access to mental health services, and adequate financial resources impact whether women are diagnosed and treated. Maternal depression left untreated is dangerous. According to some studies, Latinas have higher rates of maternal depression than non-Hispanic women, but are less likely to be identified as depressed. Given the current Latino population of the United States, a considerable portion of this group is comprised of Latinas. Sadly, research which pertains to this clinical phenomena is limited. This is an exploration of a disturbing trend among Latinas and their families.