"just like therapy!": Investigating the Potential of Storytelling in Online Postpartum Depression Communities

Abstract: One in seven women encounter postpartum depression upon transitioning to motherhood. Many of them frequently seek social support in online support groups. We conducted a mixed-methods formative research to assess the potential of digital storytelling on those online platforms. We observed that mothers acquire social support from online groups through storytelling. We present design recommendations for online postpartum depression (PPD) communities to utilize storytelling in fostering emotional support and providing relevant information and education through storytelling.