Research on the Construction of a Screening and Intervention Service System for Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a common but easily overlooked mental health problem in maternal care. Many women do not actively describe themselves as depressed, and their symptoms may be hidden behind sleep loss, childcare pressure, breastfeeding difficulties, irritability, guilt, or fatigue after delivery. At present, postpartum health services still tend to focus more on physical recovery and infant health, while psychological screening, referral, intervention, and follow-up are not always well connected. This paper discusses the construction of a screening and intervention service system for postpartum depression. It analyzes the service needs of postpartum women, the current gaps in screening and intervention, the design of a screening pathway, the construction of an intervention service pathway, coordination among maternal care, community health, and mental health services, and the supporting mechanisms needed for implementation. The paper argues that postpartum depression care should not stop at one-time screening or general advice. A more effective service system should combine routine screening, risk classification, graded intervention, referral collaboration, family support, privacy protection, and continuous follow-up, so that women at risk can receive timely and appropriate help within the maternal and child health service process.