BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression can be a significant disability for women if left untreated. The context of seeking social support for this population has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to generate a theory of how women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms mobilize social supports. STUDY DESIGN: Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology was used to discover the context and process of seeking social support of women with postpartum depression. RESULTS: Postpartum women with depressive symptoms have a natural desire to connect with others for symptom normalization. These connections occurred with other women, groups, or health care providers. The process of normalizing through connection included four components: initiating socialization, staying with, drifting away, and incorporating self into new role. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can assist postpartum women in developing positive connections with other individuals or groups in their lives. Psychoeducation about postpartum depression may empower women to seek assistance for their depression.
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