The Experience of Seeking Help for Postnatal Depression in South Asian Communities: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

This study aims to understand the experiences of South Asian mothers seeking
help for postnatal depression (PND). South Asian women are at greater risk of developing
PND; however, many do not access professional support and seek social support to help them
overcome PND. Seven women are asked about their retrospective experience of seeking help
for PND using semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out, and
three main themes and eight sub-themes were generated: contextual factors, informal
support networks, and accessing professional support. The findings, clinical implications,
and limitations of the study are discussed before a conclusion is drawn.