Postpartum Depression Support Groups

What Are Postpartum Depression Support Groups?

Support groups are one arm of postpartum depression treatment. They’re especially helpful for mothers but can also benefit her partner, friends, and family.

Support groups are meetings for those affected by postpartum depression (also called perinatal depression or formerly ‘baby blues’).

The group support meetings take place regularly, such as once per week or bi-weekly. They are typically led and moderated by a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, physician, or other mental health professional, such as a specialist nurse.

These structured meetings may cover a number of topics, including:

Unique personal stories
Coping skills
Challenges
Comfort and encouragement
Feelings of isolation
Frustration and fears
Treatment feedback
Success stories

Read on for more information about how support groups help those struggling with postpartum depression and where you can connect with one.

Where to Find Postpartum Depression Support Groups

Peer support groups are traditionally held in person with individual chapters in local settings.

Local support groups can be held by mental health clinics, women’s health clinics, and family health clinics. They may also be offered by various public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Specialized postpartum support groups may also be offered, including groups for:

Breastfeeding
Spanish-speaking mothers
Mothers without support
Mothers facing addiction and substance abuse
Military families
LGBTQ couples
Single mothers
Online support

Local Postpartum Depression Support Groups

One of the greatest barriers to getting postpartum depression treatment is that the condition often robs you of the ability to take action. You may be unsure where to turn or who to confide in about this issue.

To make it easier, here are the top 3 ways to get quick help for perinatal depression:

Talk to your healthcare provider. While this may seem an obvious step, many people are deterred from speaking to their obstetrician or primary care physician due to stigma. Yet your local doctor is likely to have the best resources near you and can find support groups close to home for you. If you aren’t comfortable speaking to your doctor, it may be time to switch.
Use your community resources. Local church groups, charitable organizations, baby pantries, WIC services, and other local resources often have the most local and up-to-date information available. They may be able to help you find or direct you to someone who can help you find a PPD support group.
Search local social media groups. If you are uncomfortable talking in person about PPD, you’re not alone. In fact, thousands of people participate in online support groups for both convenience and anonymity. Try searching “postpartum depression support group” + your area on social media apps or in a web browser to find local online chapters.

If there are no postpartum depression support groups in your area, look for general depression support groups.

Postpartum depression is one type of depression. While the causes may differ, the symptoms and treatment options are similar.

National Postpartum Depression Resources

Postpartum depression support groups are available in most states. You can check your state’s official website for links to health organizations and information on postpartum depression resources.

Keep in mind that postpartum depression is a fairly new official diagnosis, and support groups specific to this diagnosis may not be readily available in person in every area.

If you can’t find local support, you may want to turn to a national organization for information and resources.

Some national postpartum depression resources that offer support, helplines, referrals for care, and access to perinatal mental health information include the following.

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

The ACOG offers information on postpartum depression, answers common questions on PPD, and directs you to further resources for perinatal mood disorders, such as PPD and anxiety disorders.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Women’s Health

The DHHS website offers a wealth of resources for moms, dads, their partners, and family members affected by postpartum depression.

Top resources on their site include:

Tips for how to help a loved one with PPD
A crisis hotline for PPD, where you can get immediate support
Informational guides on PPD, including symptoms to watch for and a guide for when to seek help
A social media campaign you can join to hear stories of hope and healing from women in recovery from PPD

Mental Health America

This mental health organization educates people on postpartum depression as a disorder, from how it affects the mother and the baby to treatment options and more.

It also provides many resources, including specific PPD support groups, such as LGBTQ-friendly support groups, trans support groups, and postpartum support groups for men.

Online Postpartum Depression Support Groups

Internet support groups are available via chats, message boards, and forums.

Online postpartum depression support groups include:

For real-time support, you can also call helplines like the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

Specialized Postpartum Depression Support Groups

Getting support for postpartum depression from people who are facing similar struggles can help mothers feel seen, supported, and heard.

Here are some resources to help you find specialized PPD support groups and resources:

Black Moms Connect: This support group is for black mothers who are pregnant or postpartum up to 2 years. They can connect, share experiences, and learn tools and resources here.
Connecting Rainbows: an organization that offers support for LGBTQ people who need postpartum support, legal help, help with fertility issues, and more
Perinatal Support for Latinx Moms: This group provides support for Latina or Latinx women. While the group is led in English, it can also connect participants to Spanish-speaking support groups.

What Happens During a PPD Support Group Meeting?

What will happen during a postpartum depression support group meeting depends on the type of meeting.

Online meetings typically begin with an introduction and guidelines, followed by a discussion and support time. They often require cameras for the safety and comfort of all participants.

Here are some different ways in-person PPD support groups may work:

Structure: The group could be a formal discussion or less formal. It could have a set amount of time for the group, such as 12 weeks, or be ongoing.
Approach: Different groups may take different approaches to addressing issues. Some may focus on sharing information among peers, others on skill-building and education, and others on encouraging support.
Professional vs. peer-led: Most support groups for PPD are led by a professional, but others, such as substance use support groups, could be peer-led.

Tips on Finding the Right PPD Support Groups

When you start looking for a PPD support group, it’s crucial that you find the best-fit group for you.

Here’s what to consider as you search for postpartum depression group support:

Group size: Would you be more comfortable in a small or large group?
Closed vs. open: Would you prefer a group set to a specific set of members, or are you open to others joining?
Online vs. in-person: When deciding on a telehealth version of a physical support group, consider not only your comfort level but also what you hope to get out of the group.
Privacy: Before joining a group, it may be best to set boundaries regarding what you are willing to discuss.
Specialized support: If you are part of a minority group, you may feel more comfortable in a group that addresses your unique needs.

How Do Support Groups Help?

Support groups are helpful for anyone suffering from postpartum depression. They offer communal encouragement, comfort, and advice in a safe setting.

Because support groups happen in an inclusive environment, they help those affected by PPD feel accepted, understood, and validated in their struggles.

Benefits of Support Groups for Postpartum Women

Taking part in group therapy to help address postpartum depression can help women feel validated and less alone and improve their mental health and overall well-being.

There are several benefits of participating in support groups, including:

Regular and Ongoing Treatment Options
Because support groups take place semi-weekly, weekly, or bi-weekly, they provide consistent and ongoing therapy for those affected. They also help provide stability and routine.
Access to Affordable Treatment
Support groups are an affordable form of therapy. Many are even free of charge, making them more accessible to those who cannot afford treatment otherwise.
Building Social Connections
Because people facing depression are likely to isolate themselves, support groups help them connect with other members and build up their network of support.
Getting Emotional Validation
Symptoms of postpartum depression can make people feel shame, guilt, and other negative feelings. Support groups help women break the stigma and validate the feelings, thoughts, and emotions they’re experiencing. This helps those affected to accept their condition further and become more open to treatment and recovery possibilities.
Participating in a Safe and Non-Judgmental Environment
Suffering in silence with postpartum depression is common. Support groups help to protect members’ identities and provide non-judgemental advice that will never be shared with others, such as family members, friends, or employers.
Help from Professional Health Care Providers
All meetings are led and facilitated by professional healthcare providers. This ensures that accurate and helpful treatment advice and coping skills are offered by real experts.
Developing a Deeper Understanding of Your Condition
Support groups also help to provide education about postpartum depression, so members can better understand how and why the condition affects them.
Learning Healthy Coping Skills
Most importantly, support groups offer practical tools and skills to help members address and treat their symptoms.

Benefits of Support Groups for Family Members Supporting Moms

People who are supporting moms and new moms with postpartum depression can also benefit from participating in support groups.

Group therapy can help them learn to better support their spouse, partner, or family member and manage the stress of having a baby in the household.

Top benefits of postpartum depression support groups for family members:

Connection to other parents, spouses, and partners who PPD impacts
Access to coping skills to help manage stress and offer partner support
Reducing feelings of isolation and other negative thoughts
Improved communication with spouse/partner

Types of Support Groups

Support groups come in all different formats. You can find postpartum depression support groups for moms as well as their partners/spouses and family members.

Support Groups for Moms

Most commonly, postpartum depression support groups support new mothers and veteran moms, as they are the primary group affected by PPD symptoms.

Support Groups for Partners/Spouses

Support groups are also available for fathers, mothers, and partners affected by postpartum depression. While not as common, partners of moms battling PPD need support and resources to prevent them from suffering silently.

Support Groups for Family Members

Depression can affect entire families and social circles. Postpartum depression support groups are available for family members or friends of mothers battling postpartum depression.

This can be valuable if loved ones are suffering from depression as well or if they are seeking information on how to help and support the affected mother.

Couples Support Groups

An unfortunate but common outcome of postpartum depression is relationship problems. Support groups are available specifically for couples facing postpartum depression.

These groups provide helpful advice and encouragement to new parents. They’re beneficial if you are experiencing marital or relationship challenges, seeking better communication, or looking for healthy ways to support each other.

Find Expert Help for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression needs treatment to help women battling this condition from experiencing further effects or complications. One of the most effective forms of treatment includes support groups.

If you’re experiencing postpartum depression symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Our postpartum directory can help you connect with licensed therapists in your area, who may also be able to help you find support groups near you or suggest online therapy options.

Find a PPD Therapist