Stigma associated with postnatal depression: A literature review

This literature review aims to explore women's experiences of postnatal depression (PND). It is well recognised that psychiatric diagnoses are potentially stigmatising in the general population (Rusch et al, 2005; Time to Change, 2008). This is also highlighted in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines pertaining to women's perinatal mental health (2007). The motivation for this literature review is to bridge the gap between the recommendations from NICE that health-care professionals be aware of the potential for stigma and shame associated with perinatal mental health problems (NICE, 2007) and the perspective of the midwife in practice. From a review of the literature, it is hoped that some insight might be offered as to what stigma and shame about PND ‘look like’, and how and why they might arise.