‘Misconceptions of Madness’ and ‘Racialised Mythologies’: Black Mothers’ Lived Experiences of Postpartum Psychosis and Racism

Context: Current literature indicates multi-systemic racism and a lack of consideration of community culture or values, inhibiting the recovery of Black postpartum women. Little research has been conducted on the experiences of postpartum psychosis for Black mothers, despite the increased risks and poor maternal mental health outcomes. Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of recovery from postpartum psychosis for Black mothers, who may or may not have accessed support. The objective is to gain understanding of how racialisation has impacted women’s experiences and relationship with healthcare. Method: This is a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women that identified as Black, with self-reported experience of postpartum psychosis, and were over 18 years. Participants were recruited via UK third-sector charities and social media. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was carried out. Findings: The findings portray acceptance of postpartum psychosis in the context of racial marginalisation as extremely challenging for Black mothers, leading to detrimental experiences of healthcare. Facilitation of community groups which encompass shared identity norms and lived experience, and the support of significant others with shared values, helpfully mediate recovery experience. Discussion: Racialised mythologies endorsed within healthcare provision perpetuate the internalisation of rejection and shame. Community misconceptions of madness ostracise women further in their recovery. Implicit white cultural bias and multi-systemic racism arguably serve the interest of the dominant and oppressive white medical system, where differential racialisation of Black mothers maintains inequity. Implications: Current healthcare systems require redressing, and racism challenged at systemic and individual levels within service culture, with the hope to improve accessibility and care experiences for Black mothers with postpartum psychosis. Black motherhood, in the context of ‘psychosis’, requires increased colloquy and development of intersectional ideas.