ABSTRACT
The struggle with anxiety and depression is hard to go through alone. As we’ve seen, it’s also hard to talk about it and reach out for help. Support provided by extended family and healthcare providers protects the physical and psychological health of postpartum women. All forms of support, including economic assistance, practical household help, and emotional encouragement, can ease a mother’s stress. In fact, research has shown that mothers who perceive themselves as well supported during pregnancy report minimal symptoms of depression during the postpartum period (O’Hara & Swain, 1996). Because greater social support can reduce anxiety and because scary thoughts are manifestations of anxiety, it follows that social support can minimize the impact of the scary thoughts themselves. It looks like this:
Social support → reduced stress → decreased distress → weakening of scary thoughts
Because support has protective properties against anxiety, it is important to explore the mechanisms that enhance or inhibit the development of a support system. In this way, women can help fortify their resources and better defend themselves against the force of scary thoughts.
