Lived experiences of women with postpartum depression in the West Bank/Palestine: a descriptive phenomenology

Maternal mental health has received growing global attention, especially during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. However, in the Palestinian context, these issues have not been adequately addressed, particularly postpartum depression, which can result in adverse effects for both mothers and their children. A descriptive phenomenology design was employed. The study involved 12 women diagnosed with postpartum depression, recruited from the governmental mental health clinics in various districts of the West Bank. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The lived experiences of the participants were described across four domains: psychological and emotional, familial and sociocultural, mental health care, and resilience. These domains encompassed four main themes and twelve subthemes. The four themes were emotional distress and negative self-perception, trapped within familial barriers and sociocultural constraints; challenges with mental health services and self-awareness and recognition, and Pathways to Recovery. This study highlights the harmful effects of postpartum depression on Palestinian women, family functioning, and child well-being. The findings emphasize the need to integrate mental health screening and support into routine maternal and child healthcare during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Future research should focus on culturally appropriate interventions to improve early detection and maternal mental health outcomes in Palestine.