After the Stork : the Couple's Guide to Preventing and Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Description

A New Parent's Guide to Taking Charge of Postpartum Depression Having a baby is one of the most dramatic transitions you will ever make, both opening you to the greatest love you can experience and setting in motion a rollercoaster of emotions you never before thought possible. These feelings are affected significantly by psychological and social factors-in fact, studies reveal that nearly as many new fathers as new mothers exhibit symptoms of postpartum depression. Written by a clinical psychologist specializing in postpartum depression, After the Stork clearly explains this often misunderstood condition and offers a revolutionary approach to stopping depression in its tracks. You'll discover powerful tools for addressing the sleep deprivation, financial tensions, and stress that can cause depression to take hold, and finally be able to make more room for experiencing the joy of welcoming a new child into your life. You'll learn how to: Develop depression-busting habits of thought Reconnect to your family, friends, and community Reignite an intimate relationship with your partner Move past guilt and shame and step into your new role as a great parent Content: Foreword Postpartum Depression: More Than Just Hormones Defining Depression A Broader View: Getting the Whole Picture on Postpartum Depression Shattering the Hormone Myth: Fathers' Experiences Why We Focus on Hormones The Blues, Clinical Depression, and Psychosis Exercises for Chapter 1 Habits of Thought Culture Shapes Thoughts, and Thoughts Shape Reality Cognitive Risk Factors for Depression Cognitive Styles and the Brain How Thoughts Cause Depression Coping Styles: Bridges to Depression Changing Your Style, Changing Your Brain Exercises for Chapter 2. The Social Side of DepressionThe Importance of Belonging Belonging and Depression Habits of Relating Postpartum Rituals of Transition Exercises for Chapter 3 Expectations Meet Reality: The Perfect Storm Unexpected Changes Hidden Expectations Expect the Best or Brace for the Worst? Gender and Roles: Expectations and Mythical Standards Clock Time, Social Time, and Sacred Time Exercises for Chapter 4 Getting Some: Sleep and Sex After the Baby The Effects of Sleep Deprivation Sleep and Depression Fighting Depression with Better Sleep Why We Have Sex, Why We Don't What You Can Do. Exercises for Chapter 5Basic Principles of Sleep Hygiene The Dance of Parenting Parenting: The Ambiguities Attunement How Important Are Early Influences? Choosing Strategies Adoption, Parenting Issues, and Depression Coping Strategies Parenthood, the Passionate Dance Exercises for Chapter 6 Money: Beyond Smoke and Mirrors Money Illusions One Couple's Financial Journey Strategies and Tactics Budgets Sealing the Deal Money and Happiness Exercises for Chapter 7 References.