Editing Postpartum depression (section)

=== Role of stigma ===
When stigma occurs, a person is labeled by their illness and viewed as part of a stereotyped group. There are three main elements of stigmas, 1) problems of knowledge (ignorance or misinformation), 2) problems of attitudes (prejudice), and 3) problems of behavior (discrimination).<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thorsteinsson EB, Loi NM, Farr K | title = Changes in stigma and help-seeking in relation to postpartum depression: non-clinical parenting intervention sample | journal = PeerJ | volume = 6 | pages = e5893 | date = 2018-11-08 | pmid = 30425892 | pmc = 6230434 | doi = 10.7717/peerj.5893 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Specifically regarding PPD, it is often left untreated as women frequently report feeling ashamed about seeking help and are concerned about being labeled as a "bad mother" if they acknowledge that they are experiencing depression.<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018" /> Although there has been previous research interest in depression-related stigma, few studies have addressed PPD stigma. One study studied PPD stigma by examining how an education intervention would impact it. They hypothesized that an education intervention would significantly influence PPD stigma scores.<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018" /> Although they found some consistency with previous mental health stigma studies, for example, that males had higher levels of personal PPD stigma than females, most of the PPD results were inconsistent with other mental health studies.<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018" /> For example, they hypothesized that education intervention would lower PPD stigma scores, but in reality, there was no significant impact, and also familiarity with PPD was not associated with one's stigma towards people with PPD.<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018" /> This study was a strong starting point for further PPD research but indicates more needs to be done to learn what the most effective anti-stigma strategies are specifically for PPD.<ref name="Thorsteinsson_2018" />

Postpartum depression is still linked to significant stigma. This can also be difficult when trying to determine the true prevalence of postpartum depression. Participants in studies about PPD carry their beliefs, perceptions, cultural context, and stigma of mental health in their cultures with them which can affect data.<ref name="Halbreich_2006"/> The stigma of mental health - with or without support from family members and health professionals - often deters women from seeking help for their PPD. When medical help is achieved, some women find the diagnosis helpful and encourage a higher profile for PPD amongst the health professional community.<ref name="Halbreich_2006" />