The Importance of Shared Experience Through Literature for People with Postpartum Disorders

by Ariel Lim and Chiam Min

Literature plays an important role alongside medical studies in helping mothers with postpartum disorders (PPD). While medical science has enabled us to understand and treat PPD, women experiencing PPD find it difficult to avail themselves to help due to the fear and shame attached to the stigma of having a psychiatric disorder. Reading literature in the form of autobiographical patient narratives encourages women with PPD to seek help by assuring them that

 

they are not alone in this experience

they are not to blame for their physical and mental breakdowns

there is hope of recovery

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