As a mom who has struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression myself, I feel it is necessary to share a nonpharmacological intervention, called bibliotherapy, that others could utilize to help improve their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
What is Bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy is the practice of using books and other forms of literature as a therapeutic tool to help individuals cope with psychological, social, or emotional challenges. Bibliotherapy can be used in a variety of settings, such as clinical therapy, education, and self-help contexts.
Reading books and other forms of literature can help people gain insight into their own lives, promote the discussion of their feelings, explore emotions and thoughts in a safe and structured way, and demonstrate new attitudes and values toward one’s situation. Bibliotherapy can be adapted to help an individual work through depression, anxiety, grief, or trauma. It can also be used to help one’s personal growth and development.
The Role of Bibliotherapy in Treating PMADs
Books and literature could be used in a group or one-on-one to help with the exploration of feelings, coping skills, and to foster a sense of community surrounding the postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) diagnosis. Bibliotherapy can be a powerful complement to traditional types of therapy and can help with the following:
1. Normalization and Validation of Experiences: PMADs can be extremely isolating. There are often thoughts and feelings that no one else understands or shares your experience. Literature that portrays other mothers going through similar struggles can validate these feelings. This may help one realize they are not alone in their experiences.
2. Emotional Release: Reading about real-life individuals or characters experiencing similar challenges can provide an emotional release. This can help mothers safely process emotions and feelings.
3. Empowerment and Coping Skills: Memoirs, such as the survivor stories within PSI’s blog, and self-help books offer advice, support, and possible coping strategies to manage the symptoms of PMADs. Having these resources can empower women to seek help in managing their mental health.
4. Communication: Many women struggle to find the words to express their experiences and feelings. Reading about a similar situation can give them the words they need to express their own experience and feelings. Communication can then improve with their support network and healthcare providers.
5. Self-Reflection: Reading allows for self-reflection. Moms can reflect and better understand their behaviors, triggers, and emotions. This self-reflection can help women when combined with traditional therapy, as it deepens the work done in sessions.
Recreational Therapy in PMAD Treatment
Bibliotherapy can provide many benefits to women experiencing PMADs. However, a multifaceted approach is important in treating any mental health condition. Recreational therapy can be a vital component and play a significant role in supporting new moms. Bibliotherapy can be used as an intervention by a recreational therapist (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or CTRS).
What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy is a systematic process that uses recreation, leisure, and other activity-based interventions to improve the social, emotional, and physical health and well-being of individuals with disabilities and illnesses. Recreational therapists can work with mental health conditions, including conditions like PMADs. The overall goal of a recreational therapist is to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, and promote overall well-being. Recreational therapists treat the whole person and have a holistic approach to treatment.
Bibliotherapy and Recreational Therapy for Holistic Care
When bibliotherapy and recreational therapy are combined, it provides the mom with a holistic care approach to healing both the mind and body. A recreational therapist may provide a mom with literature to read and the next session will review with the group. There will be a hands-on portion of the group that pairs an activity related to the literature. Recreational therapists can give moms the opportunity to practice new coping strategies, build social support and connections, improve physical and emotional well-being, and improve overall well-being with the tools to manage the symptoms of PMADs.
For mothers experiencing PMADs, working with a CTRS can ensure a person-centered, comprehensive treatment plan that helps empower mothers to take control of their lives again. Mothers can benefit from the balanced approach that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Tips from a CTRS
If you or someone you know is struggling with PMADs, consult with a mental health professional. You could look for a CTRS that has experience working with postpartum women. If you are hesitant to seek help, find a group of moms via social media who are experiencing something similar. You could start a book club and dive into the world of reading. As previously noted, there are various benefits to bibliotherapy, and it is a low to no-cost option. Some books that may be helpful are "Down Came the Rain" by Brooke Shields and "This Isn’t What I Expected" by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Davis Raskin. Additionally, diving into a nonfiction book can boast its own benefits and provide distraction and escape from your current reality for a short time.
Conclusion
PMADs can be overwhelming and isolating, but with the right tools and support, symptom management and recovery are possible. Bibliotherapy and recreational therapy offer pathways to healing. By addressing both physical and emotional well-being, these therapies offer mothers some of the tools and resources they need to navigate the complexities of motherhood with resilience and hope.
In a world where the pressures on mothers are immense, engaging in a meaningful activity or reading a book can be profound steps toward healing. Through the guidance of a CTRS and the power of literature, mothers can find the strength to embrace their journey and rewrite their stories. Do not suffer in silence. You are not alone.
Holly Douglas, MSRT, CTRS is a Recreational Therapist and mom to a 1.5-year-old and 3.5-year-old. Becoming a mom has profoundly impacted Holly, amplifying her longstanding passion for women’s mental health. Holly experienced a challenging birth with her first child, during which she developed pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated liver enzymes and Low Platelets). Following both of her births, Holly faced undiagnosed Postpartum Anxiety and Depression. This personal journey highlighted the importance of non-pharmacological treatment options, driving her commitment to share these resources with others