The Lived Experience of Postpartum Depression in Orthodox Jewish Women

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding ofpostpartum depression as experienced by Orthodox Jewish women.Using a phenomenological approach, a sample of twelve OrthodoxJewish women who had experienced postpartum depression withinfive years preceding data collection were interviewed. A diagnosisof postpartum depression had been made by a mental healthprofessional. The women reported common symptoms such asdisconnect from reality, and having difficulty eating and sleeping.Some of the participants also reported having frightening andsuicidal thoughts. The participants expressed the importance offamily and community support in relieving their symptoms. Theinterviewees stated that anti-depressant medications and therapywere most helpful in overcoming their condition. Many reportedfeeling a stigma attached to postpartum depression and insufficientawareness in Orthodox Jewish communities. Analysis of theparticipants' responses revealed the following themes: (a) Orthodoxperceptions of postpartum depression; (b) post-birth support; (c)postpartum depression symptoms; and (d) types of treatment.Postpartum depression in Orthodox Jewish women is a disorderthat negatively affects Orthodox Jewish women and their families.Health care professionals can play a key role in assisting thispopulation of women through proper screening, education, andsupport for the women, their families, and the community.Method: The study was qualitative and utilized a phenomenologicalapproach. The study illustrated the reflections and thoughts of twelveOrthodox Jewish women who have experienced postpartum depres-sion. The methodology model used was Moustakas'. The inquiryfocused on exploring and interpreting interview data of the women'slived experiences. Phenomenology was the appropriate method to usefor this investigation since it allowed the researcher to gain insight andunderstanding of a phenomenon from the perspective of those whohave experienced it.Results: Analysis of the participants' transcribed responses revealedfour categories of themes or meaning units: (a) Orthodox perceptionsof postpartum depression, (b) post-birth support, (c) postpartumdepression symptoms, and (d) types of treatment.Conclusion: All of the subsequent interviews and analysis wereperformed in an attempt to provide more information on this question.As was previously noted, there is a very limited amount of literatureon the subject. The twelve women that were interviewed have helpedto provide rich and meaningful insights into their experiences ofpostpartum depression within an Orthodox Jewish community. Theiranswers, opinions, experiences, and explanations provided somecontext for a deeper understanding of postpartum depression as it isexperienced in an Orthodox Jewish community, whether it is in theUnited States, Israel, or in Canada. Although many of the women inthe study felt there was some degree of stigma attached to postpartumdepression within their communities, they were hopeful that recount-ing their experience might be helpful to other women. Intervieweesreported feeling disconnected from reality, having eating and sleepingproblems. They highlighted the importance of community and familysupport in relieving their stress and anxiety, and stated that anti-depressant medications had been, along with therapy and supportgroups, instrumental in their recovery.