HOW PARTNERS, IDENTIFIED SUPPORT PERSONS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF MOTHERS UNDERSTAND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, USING A FEMINIST POST-STRUCTURALIST LENS

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) remains a significant mental health challenge for numerous families. Both mothers and their partners often lack sufficient knowledge and preparation for dealing with PPD. Additionally, discussions about mental health continue to be challenging for many people. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of partners' family members and identified support individuals of mothers with babies aged 0-12 months regarding PPD and answering these two questions:1) What are the experiences of partners, identified support persons and family members regarding PPD? 2) How are their experiences socially and institutionally constructed? Seven participants shared their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Using the methodology of feminist poststructuralism during data analysis, their beliefs, values, and practices were identified. Four themes were found through the data analysis phase:1:) Challenge the Meaning of a Normal Mother, 2) Navigating Judgements about Mental Health, 3) A Family Affair: PPD No One's and Everyone's Business, and 4) Valuing Knowledge and Awareness of PPD. Various discourses about PPD and mental health during motherhood were navigated, accepted and challenged by participants. The discourse of mental health and PPD were revealed as taboo subjects, causing stigmatization. Participants were also aware of judgemental views around PPD that negatively affected their help-seeking behaviours. Participants highlighted the importance of family support, especially partners' support. They believed PPD was a family and societal issue as well as a personal issue. They believed that there should be more awareness and discussion about PPD and mental health in society, the health system, and among family and friends.