LeadershipPaper

I chose to do my leadership paper on depression and how it effects parents. I found two articles that addressed this issue. The article I found on the IOM website was not as detailed as the other, but they both seemed to try to put out the same idea...

Depression in parents is very prevelant, but usually goes unnoticed. This means that the depression that affects parents also goes undiagnosed and is undertreated. Most parents will bring their child in to see a health care professional if they feel there is something wrong with their child, whereas they are a lot less likely to seek help for themselves. Because of this, it is important for nurses to keep a watchful eye for signs of depression in parents when they bring their child in for care. This will help recognize the parents' issue more quickly so they can be screened and diagnosed sooner. Early screening and diagnosing will also help those parents get much needed medical attention more quickly.

Nurses can also take on the role of establishing policies, procedures, and/or protocols for all health care providers to follow so everyone will have the responsibility to help these suffering parents. By helping the parents suffering from depression, we will also be helping the children of these parents.