Post-partum Depression: The Downside to Childbirth

I really didn’t want to live anymore. [I would think,] ‘I just want to leap out of my life,’ but then the rational side of me [would say],’You’re only on the fourth floor. You’ll get broken to bits and then you will be even worse.”

Brooke Shields on her PPD

Motherhood is one of the most significant and joyous moments in a women’s life. But for some, it becomes a mental struggle. KKH Women’s and Children Hospital reports depression affects one in 10 postnatal women in Singapore. Post-partum depression or PPD is a serious condition but a highly treatable one. An untold number of women struggle with PPD in our high-pressure society. However, social stigma and expectations venerating motherhood prevent many suffering from PPD to come to terms with their condition.

The tragic incident of the 29-year-old mother who jumped off her flat in Bukit Panjang with her 2-month-old baby in her arms remains a reminder of the terrifying reality of PPD. Sadly such tragedies are not as uncommon. Every here and now, a woman resorts to suicide because in her mind she’s unworthy of motherhood. They can’t comprehend the predicament they’re in let alone talk about it. However, PPD can be treated with medication and counseling.

Understanding PPD

Contrary to most perceptions, PPD is not the ‘baby blues’. Unlike ‘baby blues’, PPD does not get better with time neither does it resolve by itself. A woman’s hormone level drops precipitously after giving birth. This hormonal catastrophe can cause a host of issues making a woman highly emotional and vulnerable.

However, with PPD, the symptoms will persist (longer than 2 weeks) or emerge much later after childbirth. It will also affect the mother’s ability to function normally. Some of the symptoms are:

• Low mood
• Irritability
• Tearfulness
• Poor sleep
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Poor appetite
• Poor concentration or forgetfulness
• Loss of energy
• Excessive self-blame or guilt
• Feeling hopeless or that life is meaningless

Some women are more predisposed to PPD compared to others. History of depression, a family history of post-partum depression, and complications during pregnancy and delivery are some of the risk factors. Setbacks in breastfeeding and confinement are also possible stressors. Mothers at risk of suicide and infanticide have a serious mental condition called postpartum psychosis. This can happen quickly, usually within 3 months after childbirth. These mothers are severely ill and need to be treated immediately.

PPD is not a dead-end.

Post-partum depression is not the end of the road. Psychological therapy alongside medications can help alleviate symptoms and gradually recover. KKH runs the Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme (PDIP) that identifies women at risk when they return for their postnatal check-ups. Mothers are screened four to six weeks after delivery in hope of early detection. Helplines and online platforms can also provide counseling support and the needed intervention.

Lastly, family support is crucial for all mothers, more so for those suffering from PPD. It takes a village to raise a child. And motherhood is not without challenges. Having family empathize and recognise the symptoms can be the first salvation to a struggling mother. Be informed and know the associated risks. While PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated.