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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Barriers to Psychological Help‐Seeking in Postpartum Women With Depression, Anxiety, or Comorbid Conditions: A Qualitative Exploration

  • Elīna Zelčāne1
  • Kristīne Mārtinsone1
  • Anita Pipere1
  • Kristīne Vende1
  • Ance Mestere1
  • Elmārs Rancāns2
  1. 1Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy Rīga Stradiņš University Riga Latvia
  2. 2Department of Psychiatry and Narcology Rīga Stradiņš University Riga Latvia
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Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum mental health research has traditionally focused on depression, though anxiety is gaining attention. Alarmingly, nearly half of the affected women do not seek help, leaving conditions frequently unrecognised and untreated.

Aim: This study explores barriers to professional psychological help‐seeking among postpartum women in Latvia with postpartum depression (PPD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), or both.

Method: Using the qualitative comparison groups design and thematic analysis, seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted, with four participants diagnosed with PPD, six with GAD, and seven with both PPD and GAD.

Results: Overarching domains of help‐seeking barriers were: (1) Individual barriers (hesitation and internal rationalisations, lack of awareness and information about symptoms, stigmatisation and emotional barriers); (2) Family barriers (difficulties arranging childcare); and (3) Systemic and socioeconomic barriers (financial constraints, accessibility and systemic issues, lack of information). Specifically, women with PPD reported emotional unawareness and guilt; those with GAD feared burdening others. Comorbid cases emphasised logistical and access barriers.

Implications and Recommendations: Help‐seeking behaviour in the postpartum period is influenced by individual, family, and structural factors. To improve access to psychological care, it is essential to foster maternal mental health literacy, normalise help‐seeking through public discourse, and ensure health systems proactively support and inform parents.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{zelcane2026barriers,
  title = {{Barriers to Psychological Help‐Seeking in Postpartum Women With Depression, Anxiety, or Comorbid Conditions: A Qualitative Exploration}},
  author = {Elīna Zelčāne and Kristīne Mārtinsone and Anita Pipere and Kristīne Vende and Ance Mestere and Elmārs Rancāns},
  journal = {Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.1111/jpm.70190},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.70190},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Barriers to Psychological Help‐Seeking in Postpartum Women With Depression, Anxiety, or Comorbid Conditions: A Qualitative Exploration
AU  - Elīna Zelčāne
AU  - Kristīne Mārtinsone
AU  - Anita Pipere
AU  - Kristīne Vende
AU  - Ance Mestere
AU  - Elmārs Rancāns
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/03
JO  - Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
DO  - 10.1111/jpm.70190
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.70190
AB  - Introduction: Postpartum mental health research has traditionally focused on depression, though anxiety is gaining attention. Alarmingly, nearly half of the affected women do not seek help, leaving conditions frequently unrecognised and untreated.  Aim: This study explores barriers to professional psychological help‐seeking among postpartum women in Latvia with postpartum depression (PPD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), or both.  Method: Using the qualitative comparison groups design and thematic analysis, seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted, with four participants diagnosed with PPD, six with GAD, and seven with both PPD and GAD.  Results: Overarching domains of help‐seeking barriers were: (1) Individual barriers (hesitation and internal rationalisations, lack of awareness and information about symptoms, stigmatisation and emotional barriers); (2) Family barriers (difficulties arranging childcare); and (3) Systemic and socioeconomic barriers (financial constraints, accessibility and systemic issues, lack of information). Specifically, women with PPD reported emotional unawareness and guilt; those with GAD feared burdening others. Comorbid cases emphasised logistical and access barriers.  Implications and Recommendations: Help‐seeking behaviour in the postpartum period is influenced by individual, family, and structural factors. To improve access to psychological care, it is essential to foster maternal mental health literacy, normalise help‐seeking through public discourse, and ensure health systems proactively support and inform parents.
SN  - 1351-0126
SN  - 1365-2850
ER  -