Sorrow's Web: Hope, Help, and Understanding for Depressed Mothers and Their Children

By Anne Sheffield

Book Overview

One of every four women suffers from depression at some point in her life, often during the prime childbearing years, yet most fail to recognize the telltale signs of this common, treatable illness and its potentially negative effects on the children of all ages. Drawing on her experience as both a child of a depressed mother and as a depressed mother herself, as well as on extensive research by experts in psychiatry, psychology, and child development, Books for a Better Life award winner Anne Sheffield offers advice on how to: recognize the symptoms of depression and protect children from their impact choose among the range of medical and psychotherapeutic options available outline a strategy for fathers that will help them and the marriage weather the crisis ensure that the illness does not return
As the first book to demystify, destigmatize, and humanize a long-taboo subject, Sorrow's Web points the way to sustaining and regaining a loving relationship between mother and child.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068487086X
• ISBN13: 9780684870861
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Enormously helpful

Sheffield's biggest contribution may offering an answer to those who have struggled with chronic depression: "Why have I always felt so strange? Where did this all come from?" In other words, the fallout from living with a mother who is depressed -- even someone who has never been identified as "depressed" -- can have lifelong consequences. The book will probably convince those who have been reluctant to get treatment to do so. Much of the rest is a standard round-up of recent literature and the usual advice on what to do when you are depressed --take medication, find a therapist - maybe. Despite its failings and its occasionally cutesy writing, it's probably the book about depression that has been the most personally helpful. I'd give this five stars for the idea and three for the execution.

This is the Book I Needed to Read Decades Ago

Sorrow's Web -- the book I've needed to read for decades. Ms. Sheffield deals with the subject of growing up with a depressive mother in such an insightful, intelligent, and honest way! I found recognition, understanding and comfort from her combination of the personal and the more "scientific" information. I urge mothers, daughters, sons -- and, yes -- fathers, to read this book. It has the potential profoundly affect your life and the life of those you love most.

Read this book!

This is an extraordinary book -- sensitive, revealing and READABLE. I only wish I had it thirty years ago!

Light on a shadowed subject

This balanced, frank, and insightful account will make a difference in a lot of lives. Thoroughly explores and illustrates the many aspects and consequences of maternal depression in detail, is packed with valuable observations and information - no wasted words here. Devoted to straight talk. Sheffield offers knowledgeable support to her reader, does not flinch from using her own experiences to illustrate her points, and provides clear, practical advice on therapy choices with no waffling on any of the challenges we will meet in seeking the right treatment for ourselves or others close to us. Provides lists of resources for information, newsletters, local support groups. An illuminating and much needed book.