A coworker has been diagnosed with depression buthas decided to ignore her doctor's advice to

try antidepressants.

She has a 6-month-old infant and when you see her with her baby, you
notice that she rarely seems to interact with him oreven look at him. She confided in you that
she fears she is a horrible mother because her depression is interfering with her ability to be a
good caregiver. What might you tell her that could help her to understand the importance of
synchrony with her baby in building a secure attachment?
What will be an ideal response?

Antidepressants can in fact help to lessen the symptoms of depression thereby helping her to
feel better and improve her care of her son. I would recommend that she discuss her fears with her
doctor and see what she says. Also I would tell her that there are a lot of mothers who are diagnosed
with depression and that this diagnosis does not meanthey are doomed to fail as parents. I would tell
her about the importance of responding to her babyand I might even show her how by holding her
baby and making eye contact with him and talking tohim after he babbles to me. I would let her know
that if she is responsive that she in fact can create a secure attachment and therefore help her child to
have a trusting relationship with her. I would help her to find parenting programs specifically aimed at
mothers with mental illness and encourage her to learn all she can about how to cope with parenting
and depression. Finally, I would encourage her by offering child care to give her a break and I would
engage her child in a responsive relationship whenever I was caring for him.