------------------------------------- Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, LC Lactation Consultant 23 Nativ Halamed-Hey Ranana 43340 Israel E-mail: [log in to unmask] Fax:(972)-3-566-1914 Phone:(972)-9-771-8274 ------------------------------------- Hi all. I work closely with a number of mental health professionals - psychologists; MSWs; psychiatrists etc. One thing that I've learned is that we need to differentiate between biological disorders and situational depression/anxiety. Almost everyone goes through a crisis or depression at one time or another. (God knows, I had my share last year being witness to a terrorist attack, jaundice, miscarriage etc. within a 6 month period.) A supportive network of health care professionals can do wonders, often but not always without medication. However, there are lots of people out there who have suffered off and on throughout their lives without obvious triggers. All the talking in the world won't help a chemical imbalance. The key is to find sympathetic doctors with the knowledge to diagnose situational stress (death of a loved one, infertility, moving house) and biological disorders like bi-polar depression. Too many GPs are giving out Prozac and sleeping pills where they should be on the phone to a psychologist making a referral. Since most of us deal with mothers during childbearing years when stress levels are high, it is helpful to keep a hot list available of supportive mental health pros. Not all psychologists are alike! Just like MDs, they have different areas of expertise. It is also essential to tell the mom to trust her gut feelings. She may have to interview a number of doctors before finding one she feels comfortable with. By the way, evening of primrose oil is helpful with post-partum downs. Susan in Ranana, Israel