Chinese American Women's Experiences with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors

Abstract

Callouts: 1) Chinese American women may first disclose depressive symptoms to their spouses and that they could rely on them for emotional and instrumental support. 2) Practicing postpartum traditions out of respect for older family members is common among Chinese American women, even if they do not necessarily believe in them. 3) For Chinese American women, barriers to help-seeking include mental health care costs, lack of services or not knowing where the services are, stigma, and language/cultural barriers. 4) Chinese American women may report sadness or PPD with clinicians, but may not meet the diagnostic criteria for PPD of standard screening tests. 5) Outreach and educational programs are necessary to increase the Chinese American community's awareness about PPD and help-seeking benefits, and reduce PPD associated stigma.

Intentions to Seek Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Chinese Pregnant Women With Probable Depression or Anxiety: Cross-sectional, Web-Based Survey Study

“…This low level of perceived need could be explained by low levels of knowledge and awareness with regard to the importance of mental health problems [54,55]. Studies on perinatal Chinese American women have revealed that several women believe that postpartum depression does not exist in China [56]. Furthermore, the somatization of mental illness has been commonly reported in China [57].…”

“…If pregnant women's psychological distress appeared in the form of somatic symptoms, they may be more likely to seek medical help. Pregnant women might also tend to view a disturbed mood as a normal part of pregnancy [27,56], thereby resulting in the underreporting of the need to seek help.…”

Further Reduction in Help-Seeking Behaviors Amidst Additional Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in Asian Populations: A Contemporary Review

“…Noted in 10 of the 18 studies, this obstacle manifested in various ways ranging from socioeconomic restrictions such as lack of financial or insurance coverage to structural inequalities such as a lack of mental health infrastructure in their area [ 1 , 16 , 25 , 26 ]. Cultural competence was a critical factor as participants expressed concerns about the lack of mental health professionals who are both culturally and linguistically capable [ 14 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 25 , 37 ].…”

“…Of the 18 studies, 15 cited prejudice or stigma as the primary reason in avoiding treatment, which was, by far, the most prevalent barrier among Henderson’s four barriers. On further elaboration, participants mentioned the fear of being perceived as crazy, saving “face”, and fear of bringing shame to their family as common themes [ 1 , 3 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 21 , 25 , 26 ]. In seven of the 18 studies, mental illness was attributed to personal incompetence or weakness, in which those suffering did not have the mental fortitude or resilience to cope with their own problems [ 4 , 25 ].…”

“…With a high tendency among Asian populations to somaticize mental illness and resulting preference to see family doctors first, this applies not only to psychiatrists but also to primary care doctors as well. Specifically, these health professionals must be able to make culturally appropriate adjustments in the counseling sessions and treatment plans [ 5 , 6 , 13 , 18 , 19 ].…”