A shocking incident has been reported. A disturbed mum went on a rampage, slashing the throats of her children.
Sadly, her 8-month-old baby did not survive the onslaught. The other children – 2 girls and a boy, aged 8, 7 and 5, were critically injured and are now warded in hospital.
The 30-year-old mother is said to have slashed her own throat too, but was stopped by her husband.
Tragedy as mum kills own baby
The gruesome incident happened at a resort in Pulau Mantanani, Sabah, Malaysia, on the afternoon of 18 October 2018.
According to the New Straits Times, the shocked father ran out and sought help from police officers who were conducting patrols nearby.
A source has been quoted as saying, “The man was drenched in blood. He asked for help and said his four children had their throats slashed.”
“The GOF members rushed to the scene with the man. They found four children sprawled on the floor, all soaked in blood.”
“However, the baby was already dead. The three other children were critically injured, with wounds across their throats.”
The mother was also badly injured and sent to hospital. Apparently, she was suffering from depression.
The case has been classified as murder.
This tragic incident is a reminder for all of us to pay more attention to our mental health, before it gets too late.
This is not the first time that postpartum depression has claimed lives. In November 2016, a young mum in Singapore jumped to death with her baby.
Mummies, if you feel overwhelmed with worry, anxiety and negativity, do understand that there is no shame in seeking help.
Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Intense irritability and anger
- Fear that you’re not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
With postpartum psychosis the signs and symptoms are usually more severe.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis may include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive thoughts about your baby
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive energy and agitation
- Paranoia
- Attempts to harm yourself or your baby
If you wish to seek counselling, here are some options available for mums with postpartum depression in Singapore:
-
Association for Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
Aware has a phone helpline (1800-774-5935) and they also provide counselling services. For more information, visit their website www.aware.org.sg/.
- Call SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) on 1800-221 4444 (24-hour helpline), or e-mail them at pat@sos.org.sg.
Remember, it is okay not to be okay. You are not alone.
(Source: New Straits Times, MayoClinic, Featured Image: Screengrab FMT)