The New York Times Magazine – The Secret Sadness of Pregnancy With Depression – By ANDREW SOLOMON – Published: May 28, 2015
Pregnant women often fear taking the antidepressants they rely on. But not treating their mental illness can be just as dangerous. This NYT Magazine article by Andrew Solomon beautifully articulates many of the core components, social mores, and poignant ambivalences at play regarding the hot topic of taking antidepressant medication while pregnant.
Psychologist Elizabeth Fitelson of Columbia University offers a useful reframe taking the dialogue beyond the dyadic maternal health versus baby health. “I try not to draw this distinction between what’s best for the mother and what’s best for the child. I prefer to think that I’m really treating a system and trying to mitigate outcomes for the whole system…” I would have to add on to that the concept that the father is a core part of the health of the system. At risk are Mom and Baby and Father and Family. So much to consider…