How To Spot The Signs Of Postnatal Depression

The tragedy of Singaporean mother Koh Suan Ping, who jumped to her death last November along with her two-month old daughter, has highlighted the dangers of postnatal depression (PND) in new mothers. Suan Ping had been stressed about not producing enough breast milk for her baby, and worried about returning to work and finding a replacement domestic helper.

She’s not alone: celebs like Chrissy Teigen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields and Hayden Panetierre have also spoken about their struggle with PND. Local celebrity Jaymee Ong, who has two children, also opened up about suffering PND after giving birth to her son Harrison.

PND is a medical illness commonly mistaken for the postnatal blues. In Singapore, 10 to 15 per cent of women feel depressed after birth, with 3 to 5 per cent suffering moderate to severe depression, that may require medical attention. While baby blues are common in the two weeks after birth, PND is a more serious condition that can lead to severe psychological harm and in extreme cases, suicide.

How do you know you or a loved one has PND, and not just the baby blues? Here are 5 signs of PND to look out for.

If you or someone you know suffers from PND, here are some resources you can go to for help.

Helplines:
Women’s Services, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Tel: 6294 4050
Women’s Emotional Health Service, National University Hospital, Tel: 6772 2037
The Counselling Place, Tel: 6887 3695

Text: Young Parents Team/ Additional Reporting By Lisa Twang

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/parenting/singapore-postnatal-depression-signs-help/

How To Spot The Signs Of Postnatal Depression

1. An Unusually Low Mood

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This means having a “low mood through most of the day on most days,” says Dr Cornelia Chee, director and senior consultant at the Women’s Emotional Health Service, NUH.

Photo: Pexels

2. Exhaustion

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Mothers may feel “very tired or low in energy levels, and have sleep problems – either the inability to sleep even when the baby is asleep, or conversely, oversleeping”, notes Dr Chee.

Photo: Pexels

3. Negative Thoughts

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“Worrying about your baby is natural,” says Ho Shee Wai, director and registered psychologist at The Counselling Place, “but if you feel uncontrollable anxiety or are afraid to be alone with your baby, something more may be amiss.”

Photo: Pexels

4. Feelings Of Hopelessness

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“Mums often report feeling overwhelmed and not up to the multiple tasks of looking after the baby,” says Dr Chee.

Photo: Pexels

5. Thoughts of Harming Yourself Or Your Baby

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Severely depressed mums may feel so hopeless that they consider venting their frustrations on their babies, or hurting themselves. Such thoughts can occur in moments of weakness, but don’t be ashamed of them if you don’t act on them. Seek help immediately by confiding in your family, or better yet, a trained counsellor.

PND is a serious condition, but rest assured that you are not alone and that you are doing your best for your newborn baby. Remember to take good care of yourself as well as your little one, and to get the rest and support you need.

Photo: Pixabay

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How To Spot The Signs Of Postnatal Depression

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