Experiences of Using Online Peer Forums Among People With Postpartum Psychosis - Interpretative Phenomenological Study

Sep 30, 2026

Online peer support forums are reported as helpful for mental health conditions, yet experiences specific to postpartum psychosis (PP) forum users remain understudied. This qualitative interpretative phenomenological study explores lived experiences of participants using online forums for PP and how this differs from professional and informal support. Semi-structured interviews with 8 participants were analyzed, yielding themes on connection through validation, forums complementing support gaps, engagement shaped by privacy and readiness, and relational dynamics including altruism, boundaries, and comparison. Findings suggest forum design should protect identity and support safe boundaries.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Background and significance

Methods and recruitment

Results and themes

Theme development

Discussion and implications

Conclusions

JMIR HUMAN FACTORS Williams et al Original Paper Experiences of Using Online Peer Forums Among People With Postpartum Psychosis: Interpretative Phenomenological Study | Katherine Williams 1, BSc, PGCert, PGDip, MA, DClinPsy; Fiona Lobban2, BA, PhD, DClinPsy; Elizabeth Chamberlain3, BSc, DClinPsy | | --- | | 1Department of Health Research, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
2Division of Health Research, School of Health and Medicine, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
3Perinatal Mental Health Team Liverpool and Sefton, Perinatal Mental Health Service, Mersey Care NHS Trust, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Corresponding Author:
Katherine Williams, BSc, PGCert, PGDip, MA, DClinPsy Department of Health Research
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Lancaster University Lancaster, LA1 4AT United Kingdom Phone: 44 01524 65201
[Email:](Email: k.dearing25@gmail.com)[ ](Email: k.dearing25@gmail.com)[k.dearing25@gmail.com](Email: k.dearing25@gmail.com)
Abstract | | Background: Although research has found online peer support forums to be helpful for those with mental health conditions, no studies have explored the experiences of those who use forums for support with postpartum psychosis (PP) specifically. Objective: This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of using online forums for PP, and how this form of support differs from professional and other informal support.
Methods: This study used a qualitative approach, including semistructured interviews with 8 participants. Recruitment took place via an online forum run by a charity called Action on Postpartum Psychosis. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results: Four themes were developed in line with participants’ experiences (1) from isolation to connection: validation, growth, and hope from shared experiences; (2) complementing not replacing: filling the gaps in support; (3) impacts of privacy, representation, and readiness to share on engagement; and (4) relational experiences within peer support: altruism, boundaries, and comparison. All participants believed forums were helpful to their well-being and recovery; however, some also reported difficulties with engagement, comparison, and regulating their own use. Findings suggest that forums may benefit from being designed in a way that protects users and their identities, for example, via trigger warnings and setting boundaries. Conclusions: Peer online forums offer a unique and potentially effective addition to existing support provided by professionalsand personal connections. Professionals should signpost people experiencing PP to forums, but should also understand the support that may be needed in terms of monitoring use and ensuring that appropriate boundaries are put into place.
(JMIR Hum Factors 2025;12:e80717) doi: 10.2196/80717 | KEYWORDS postpartum psychosis; puerperal psychosis; postnatal psychosis; online peer support forums; online forums; peer-to-peer support; peer support Introduction Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a rare perinatal mental health condition, affecting between 1 and 2 in 1000 individuals [1,2] . It is a psychiatric emergency that can occur suddenly [3], usually between 0 to 185 days following childbirth [4] . Symptoms characterizing PP include mood changes, hallucinations, and delusions [5,6] . The risk of onset of psychosis is thought to be approximately 23 times higher in the 4 weeks following childbirth than at any other stage of life [7] . PP is less common and less understood than more common perinatal mental health conditions, such as postnatal depression, and may therefore be [https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e80717](https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e80717) XSL• FO RenderX JMIR Hum Factors 2025 | vol. 12 | e80717 | p. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) less readily recognized [

FAQs

What was the study’s main objective?

To understand the lived experiences of using online forums for postpartum psychosis and how this support differs from professional and other informal support.

How was the study conducted?

A qualitative approach was used, including semi-structured interviews with 8 participants, with recruitment via a charity-run online forum and transcript analysis using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

What themes emerged from participants’ experiences?

Four themes were developed: moving from isolation to connection, complementing rather than replacing support, how privacy and readiness affect engagement, and relational experiences within peer support (altruism, boundaries, and comparison).

What practical design recommendations were suggested?

Forums may help if designed to protect users and identities, for example through trigger warnings and clear boundary-setting, and professionals should signpost people experiencing PP while monitoring and supporting safe use.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Alex Sinclair