Postpartum Depression and the Disclosure Process

Using a qualitative approach, this study examined disclosure patterns of women who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a mental illness that new parents are at risk of developing. If left unresolved, PPD can have severe, negative impacts on the development of the baby and the well-being of the parent. Unfortunately, due to the stigmatized nature of the illness, parents are sometimes reluctant to bring up their struggles with this illness and seek help. Eighteen women who had experienced PPD within the past 5 years were recruited and participated in an interview where they were asked questions regarding their disclosure behaviors. Using communication privacy management theory, the data were examined to explain disclosure patterns. Findings were discovered using a thematic analysis. Themes of disclosure processes, disclosure considerations, boundary maintenance, and effects of disclosure were prompted by the theory, and several subthemes were discovered in the data. This study highlights the challenges that many mothers face when trying to disclose their mental health difficulties to others, like family members, coworkers, and health-care professionals in the postpartum stage.