{"id":2522,"date":"2020-10-02T03:15:46","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T03:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/?post_type=blogs_articles&#038;p=2522"},"modified":"2023-10-05T14:44:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T06:44:24","slug":"how-to-deal-with-postpartum-depression","status":"publish","type":"blogs_articles","link":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/blogs_articles\/how-to-deal-with-postpartum-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Deal With Postpartum Depression"},"featured_media":3559,"parent":0,"template":"","blogs_articles_categories":[217],"blogs_articles_tags":[214,218],"class_list":["post-2522","blogs_articles","type-blogs_articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blogs_articles_categories-postpartum","blogs_articles_tags-postpartum-depression","blogs_articles_tags-postnatal"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Deal With Postpartum Depression - Pigeon<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is it just the baby blues? 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In this article, we tackle the topic of postpartum depression in women and where you can find support.","description":"<h2><strong>How To Deal With Postpartum Depression<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Is it just the baby blues? In this article, we tackle the topic of postpartum depression in women and where you can find support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>What is a postpartum depression?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">According to the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/seleni.org\/advice-support\/article\/the-difference-between-the-baby-blues-and-postpartum-depression#sthash.mLre5zIi.dpuf\">Seleni Institute<\/a><\/u>, nearly 80% of women will experience the \u201cbaby blues\u201d after giving birth, which is typically characterised by rapidly changing moods, weepiness, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. As a result of fluctuating hormone levels, it can have a serious impact on a woman\u2019s moods and emotions. If these feelings persist longer than two to three weeks following delivery, you may have postpartum depression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>How common are postpartum mood disorders?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">While many women tend to dismiss it as just another case of baby blues, it\u2019s often more than that as it develops gradually. As a result, they don\u2019t realise that they may have postpartum depression. In fact, it\u2019s more common than you think \u2013 with KKH Women\u2019s and Children\u2019s Hospital reporting that the prevalence of postnatal depression is \u201cas high as 1 in 12 women\u201d in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>How do I get checked for postpartum mood disorder?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">If you think that you may have postpartum depression or other mood disorders, seek help from a healthcare provider as soon as you can. Many tend to keep quiet about their symptoms and suffer in silence. While postpartum mood disorders are concerning, it can (and will) get better with the right treatment, so don\u2019t be afraid to reach out!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">There are several treatment options available here in Singapore, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies such as interpersonal psychotherapy for depression, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety. However, the quality of postpartum mental health care tends to vary across the hospitals, which can often result in a diagnostic error of accuracy and precision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Public hospitals like KKH Women\u2019s and Children\u2019s Hospital and National University Hospital have standardised screening procedures for postpartum depression. KKH has launched the Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme, where postpartum women at selected clinics will be properly assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) \u2013 a screening tool designed to identify symptoms of depression in both postnatal and antenatal period \u2013 and provided with the appropriate psychiatric consultation, counselling and phone follow-up care. Although the programme focuses on mothers who have delivered their babies at KKH, it\u2019s open to non-KKH patients as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">NUH follows a similar procedure through the Women\u2019s Emotional Health Service, where postpartum women answer questions derived from the EPDS and then referred to a psychiatrist. The service centre is also open to non-NUH patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">If you choose to go to a private hospital, bear in mind that facilities such as Mount Alvernia Hospital, Raffles Hospital and Thomson Medical Centre do not have standardised screening procedures in place, and are highly dependent on the healthcare professionals themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Can I find a psychiatrist\/therapist outside of hospitals?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Not to worry, specialist psychiatric services and therapists are widely available in Singapore \u2013 no referrals needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Search for a good, qualified therapist with expertise in the treatment of women and postpartum depression. Beyond their credentials, it\u2019s important to find someone whom you can trust and open up to without feeling judged. You can also ask for recommendations from your obstetrician and family doctor, or a personal referral from a close friend or family member \u2013 these are the people who know your condition best and have your interests at heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Where can I find support?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Peer support is essential. There\u2019s a whole network of local support groups you can turn to: <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/StorksNestSingapore\/\">Mindful Mums<\/a><\/u> is an organisation that offers psychological and emotional support for women adjusting to motherhood, <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nmsg-singapore.com\/\">New Mothers\u2019 Support Group<\/a><\/u> is a volunteer community that hosts regular events and talks for mothers-to-be and new mums, and <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/StorksNestSingapore\/\">Stork\u2019s Nest Singapore<\/a><\/u> is a Facebook group that provides a positive and supportive platform for parent discussions, just to name a few.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In addition, here are some alternative organisations that offer support to other caregivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><em><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oogachaga.com\/\">Oogachaga:<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/strong> A queer-friendly professional organisation that deals with mental health issues for the LGBTQ community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><em><u><a href=\"http:\/\/adoption.tcs.org.sg\/services_counselling.html\">TOUCH Adoption Counselling:<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/strong> A non-profit organisation that provides support for adoptees, prospective adopters and adoptive parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><em><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.home.org.sg\/\">Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics <\/a><\/u><\/em><\/strong><strong><em>(HOME): <\/em><\/strong>A charitable organisation dedicated to the welfare needs of domestic workers in Singapore, including cases of postpartum depression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">You can also contact the <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.aware.org.sg\/\">Association of Women for Action and Research<\/a><\/u> (AWARE) via their hotline (1-800-774-5935) for emotional and counselling support, as well as direction to external resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Can postpartum mood disorders be prevented?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Besides benefiting from therapy, there are also other things you can do to cope with your emotions. Firstly, create a self-care plan so you won\u2019t feel so overwhelmed with the baby commitments on top of your household responsibilities. Be sure to schedule in some dedicated time for yourself between nursing sessions \u2013 take a nap, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Regular exercise (with the approval of your doctor) is also a great way to relieve your mind from the parenting stresses, all while helping you to shed those extra pregnancy pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Me-time is important, but don\u2019t let it be an excuse to isolate yourself. Being around others and confiding in friends about your feelings can help to dispel the negative thoughts and shift your mood. Support groups are a safe space to communicate and discuss your issues with other like-minded mothers who are able to empathise with your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">If you find yourself at risk and display signs of emotional distress, it may be helpful to research the various mood disorders and bookmark relevant web resources such as <u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.postpartum.net\/\">Postpartum Support International<\/a><\/u>. Keep the phone numbers of KKH, NUH or any nearby hospital on speed dial so you can easily contact them in case of an emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><em>If you\u2019re reading this and considering harming yourself or your child, put your child in a safe place and immediately call the Samaritans of Singapore 24-hour hotline (1-800-221-4444).<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/More-than-just-the-Baby-Blues_-Postpartum-Depression-in-Singapore-\u2013-Pigeon-Singapore.pdf\">More than just the Baby Blues: Postpartum Depression in<br \/>\nSingapore \u2013 Pigeon Singapore<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","tips":{"title":"","tips":false}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/blogs_articles\/2522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/blogs_articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogs_articles"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blogs_articles_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/blogs_articles_categories?post=2522"},{"taxonomy":"blogs_articles_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pigeon.com.sg\/wp-api\/wp\/v2\/blogs_articles_tags?post=2522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}