Barriers to Treatment

Our prior research explored perceived barriers and facilitators to disclosure of postpartum mood disorder (PPMD) symptoms to healthcare professionals among a community-based sample. More than 200 women within 3 years postpartum participated in this online survey. In this sample, the primary barriers to treatment were stigma (19%), time constraints (18%), and lack of motivation (16%). These findings suggest that public awareness campaigns that highlight the wide variability of emotional reactions women experience following childbirth could improve help-seeking for PPMD symptoms. Additionally, public policies to increase paid maternity leave may help alleviate time constraints, as well as economic barriers to disclosure and help-seeking. 

However, the sample of women who participated in this prior study was predominantly Caucasian and of middle to upper socioeconomic status. The extent to which these findings apply to Hispanic women of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, who may experience different barriers to treatment, is unknown. Importantly, if we are going to be able to increase help-seeking for PPMD symptoms among Hispanic women and address the disparity in their postpartum mental health, we must address barriers that are particular relevant in this population.