What are baby blues?
Baby blues are the waves of sadness a mother might have in the first few days after giving birth. It is caused by hormonal fluctuation (sudden plummeting of oestrogen and progesterone levels). Baby blues are reported in 4 out of 5 new mothers across socio-economical, cultural and age groups.
Common symptoms of baby blues include:
- mood swings/ tearfulness
- anxiety
- loss of appetite
- Feeling overwhelmed
The baby blues can last up to 2 weeks. Some ways to feel better include: meditation, getting more sleep, bonding with spouse/partner, talking to friends and being candid about your feelings, spending more time in nature, etc.
What about Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
If the symptoms of baby blues last longer than 2 weeks, the chances are you have slipped into Postpartum depression. Common causes include family history of depression, lack of support, financial distress and birth trauma. The symptoms of PPD are similar to baby blues but longer-lasting and more severe, including:
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness/ worthlessness/ guilt
- Memory gaps
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Prolonged body aches unrelated to labour
- Prolonged crying
- Thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby
- Feeling unable to connect with the baby
What about Postpartum Psychosis?
Post-partum psychosis is a rare but severe mental illness, affecting about 1 or 2 in every 1,000 mothers. The symptoms start showing between 2-4 weeks after childbirth and may include:
- Having hallucinations or hearing non-existent voices or images
- Having delusional or paranoid thoughts
- Being aggressive or violent
- Not being able to sleep for long stretches of time
- Thinking or planning to harm yourself or the baby
Although the heritability of postpartum psychosis is debatable, the incidence of having it is more common among mothers with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolarity. What makes it difficult for people to notice is the transient and fluctuating nature of extreme euphoric symptoms and depressive symptoms.
Professor of psychiatry, Dr. Philip Resnick, explained that mothers are expected to love their baby as soon as they give birth, and someone with severe post-partum depression or psychosis may not feel maternal feelings naturally. Though severe, it is definitely a treatable condition, so if you or anyone around you is experiencing something similar, please reach out to medical professionals.
Where can I get help in Hong Kong?
Your first resources should be your family physician or OBGYN. They can discuss your options for treatment, refer you to services and prescribe medication.
There are several organisations dedicated to helping people and the following can be reached via phone:
- Baptist Oi Kwan Social services 24 hour hotline: +852 2535 4135
- Suicide prevention services: + 852 2382 0000
- English Emotional support hotline: +852 2389 2223
- Hospital Authority Mental Health Direct (24 Hours): 2466 7350
- Family Health Service 24-Hour Information Hotline: 2112 9900
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