Introduction
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects up to 20% of mothers in the first year after delivery.1,2 Despite its prevalence, stigma remains a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, evidence-based strategies exist for training healthcare teams to overcome stigma and improve PPD identification rates. Role-play training exercises can be an effective tool for identifying and addressing stigma related to PPD in healthcare settings when key aspects are considered.
Key Training Components
To support the best outcomes for their patients, providers should be up to date on information regarding PPD symptoms, its prevalence, and the risk factors associated with this mental condition.1 Training should also address how stigma can prevent mothers from seeking help or disclosing their struggles and highlight the long-term consequences of untreated PPD for both mother and child. 2,3 Such efforts help develop greater awareness of the stigma surrounding PPD and improve providers’ ability to create a supportive environment for patients.1
Integrating active role-play exercises involves acting out scenarios to simulate real-life patient interactions. Using role-play can facilitate learning by building confidence, enhancing empathetic understanding, improving problem-solving, and encouraging teamwork.4 Some examples of realistic scenarios that would address stigma-related concerns would be simulating situations where a new mother is reluctant to discuss her feelings of sadness and anxiety during a routine checkup or minimizes or denies symptoms. Providers should ensure the scenarios reflect diverse patient backgrounds and circumstances to highlight how stigma may manifest differently across cultures and socioeconomic groups.4
Communication skill development is also critical. Staff should be trained in using person-first, nonjudgmental language when discussing mental health. Examples include “person experiencing postpartum depression,” “person coping with postpartum depression symptoms,” or “person recovering from postpartum depression.” To practice nonstigmatizing communication techniques such as active listening in a clinical setting, create a quiet environment to minimize potential distractions. Strategies to navigate sensitive topics involving open-ended questions and responding with affirming statements should also be implemented. These exercises can help create a safe space for patients to feel comfortable communicating their feelings.5
Conclusion
Mothers dealing with PPD often face stigma; however, implementing supportive practices can empower healthcare providers to assist their patients more effectively, leading to improved outcomes. Comprehensive antistigma training can emphasize education and awareness through targeted role-playing exercises. Healthcare organizations implementing such training can empower their entire care team to better identify and support patients with PPD, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.
References:
1. Moldenhauer JS. Postpartum depression - gynecology and obstetrics. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated April 2024. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/postpartum-care-and-associated-disorders/postpartum-depression
2. Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G, Swinson T. Perinatal depression: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(5 Pt 1):1071-1083. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000183597.31630.db
3. Moore D, Ayers S, Drey N. A thematic analysis of stigma and disclosure for perinatal depression on an online forum. JMIR Ment Health. 2016;3(2):e18. doi:10.2196/mental.5611
4. How to use role-play exercises in health and social care training. Care Learning. June 28, 2024. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://carelearning.org.uk/blog/learning-and-development-blog/how-to-use-role-play-exercises-in-health-and-social-care-training/#google_vignette
5. Place JMS, Renbarger K, Van De Griend K, Guinn M, Wheatley C, Holmes O. Barriers to help-seeking for postpartum depression mapped onto the socio-ecological model and recommendations to address barriers. Front Glob Womens Health. 2024;5:1335437. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1335437