Postpartum Depression: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges during Parenthood

Abstract

Postpartum depression affects parents across all social, economic, and racial groups. While there are many factors that may contribute to depressive symptoms in the postpartum period, under-resourced populations and ethnic minorities are documented to experience higher rates. Traditional psychotherapeutic methods have shown success in mitigating depressive symptoms; however, these treatments are not always accessible and/or utilized, particularly in populations with the highest need. Mind-body interventions have become increasingly popular in addressing perinatal mental health, and new and innovative approaches are currently being evaluated to determine their efficacy with respect to treating postpartum depression. This scoping review highlights published clinical trials, interventions, meta-analyses, and reviews conducted in the last 20 years and examines how each method applies to meet the needs of postpartum parents, and particularly under-resourced populations.