Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing postpartum psychosis symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Postpartum Psychosis
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to postpartum psychosis:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside postpartum psychosis treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter postpartum psychosis
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against postpartum psychosis
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite postpartum psychosis
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing postpartum psychosis
Signature Strengths and Postpartum Psychosis
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust postpartum psychosis intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Postpartum Psychosis Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace postpartum psychosis treatment — it complements it. Treating postpartum psychosis removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.