Foryoung children, healthy development depends on the daily, consistent andresponsive interactions with a primary caregiver. Mothers who suffer fromchronic depression have trouble doing things like taking children out to thepark, reading books or even talking. The lack of these important daily interactionscan have long-term negative consequences on brain development and overallhealth. Living with a depressed mother may also shape the development of achild’s stress biology, causing increased levels of anxiety and withdrawnemotions that endure over time.