4 min read
Life in Hong Kong runs at a frenetic pace. There’s a lot of pressure on people in the city to aim for a promotion, hit the hottest restaurant, and wear the latest labels. The hustle and bustle of the city can lead people to feel lonely and it’s not always easy to find space and time to reflect and seek support. Add to that, the idyllic image our society pushes of a beautiful, blissful and natural motherhood and it’s a lot of pressure on expecting and new mothers. It can be an anxious time for even the most even-keel woman. Unfortunately, postpartum depression remains taboo in Hong Kong as in other places. It’s important to keep in mind that a mother’s mental health is as important as her physical well-being.
Two conditions are common: the “baby blues” and postpartum depression. We spoke with clinical psychologist, Dr. Quratulain Zaidi about mental health after childbirth, what to look out for in yourself and loved ones, and where you can look for help.
The “baby blues” affect 40-80% of women in Hong Kong. They’re often attributed to the sudden hormonal shifts that occur in the days and weeks following childbirth as your body adjusts from being pregnant. Recovering from birth and adjusting to a new family composition can be stressful and isolating.
The onset of baby blues is typically 2 to 3 days, but no more than 2 weeks, after birth. You might feel tearful, emotionally fragile, overwhelmed, irritable and have trouble sleeping. Symptoms usually taper off after two weeks.
The symptoms are usually transient and settle on their own. Seek help from your obstetrician, general practitioner, midwife or psychologist if the symptoms persist after 2 weeks and the severity of feelings increases.
Treatment for the “baby blues” will usually consist of counseling with your obstetrician, general practitioner, midwife or psychologist and checking in to ensure symptoms aren’t prolonged and escalate to post-partum depression.
Globally, 10-20% of women are diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD) – in Hong Kong, the rate is one in ten. It’s quite possible that many more women will experience symptoms of postpartum depression but will go undiagnosed. It’s important not to underestimate the issue. We don’t really know why some women are more or less predisposed to PPD but it’s likely that, similar to the “baby blues”, the stress of sleep deprivation and postpartum hormonal changes have an effect.
The onset of postpartum depression takes a little bit longer than the “baby blues” to surface. It can occur at any time in the first post-partum year and can come and go in waves. The symptoms are similar to “baby blues” but more severe and with a later onset. These can include any combination of the following:
Consult someone as soon as possible. It’s a really challenging time in life and you don’t have to face it alone. Postpartum depression is associated with reduced mother-infant bonding, decreased breastfeeding outcomes and other negative impacts on the mother, infant and family. Early intervention is important for you and your family’s well-being. With support from family and professionals, most women fully recover and resume normal lives.
All mothers should be assessed for postpartum depression as part of their postpartum care, regardless of whether they are seen in the private or public health system. The most common measures are Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. If you feel any of the above symptoms, speak up and make yourself heard, even before you’re measured.
In some cases, medication is needed to assist with a chemical imbalance. However, studies show cognitive behavioural therapy and medication is the most successful treatment for PPD.
In the public health system, this is part of the Comprehensive Child Development Service at your assigned Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC). An MCHC nurse will initial counselling and then refer you on to a social worker or Hospital Authority Psychiatric services for additional support. If you’re going through the private system, you will likely be assessed by your obstetrician, GP, or midwife for PPD as part of your normal post-partum care. If necessary, you will be referred to a psychologist who has experience with PPD. You can also self-refer to a psychologist if you require support. Remember that freedom of choice is part of what you’re paying for in the private system – make sure to find a psychologist who is a good fit for you!
If you have had PPD or other depression previously, or are predisposed to feeling anxious, it’s important to take steps before baby arrives to try to prevent PPD. These include:
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, seek psychological support. Delaying counseling or medical treatment could put you and your baby at risk.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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