Postnatal depression (PND) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects many new mothers, and even fathers after childbirth. While adjusting to parenthood is a joyful experience, it also comes with challenges that can impact mental well-being.
To shed light on this important topic, we spoke with Lilian Ong, Director and Registered Counsellor at Wellness Journey Pte Ltd.
In this Q&A, she answers key questions about PND, including how to recognize the signs, manage symptoms, and seek support when needed.
Postnatal Depression: Expert Advice on Prevention and Coping Strategies
Q: How long does postnatal depression typically last?
Lilian Ong: Without treatment, it depends on how severe it is and whether the stressors continue. With treatment, most cases recover within 3 to 6 months.
Q: Can postnatal depression affect future pregnancy?
Lilian Ong: If you have PND before, you are more likely to have it again in a future pregnancy compared to someone who did not have it before. However, if you had recovered well the previous time, what you learned through that experience can help you cope better the next time.
Q: Can postpartum depression affect fathers or partners as well?
Lilian Ong: Yes, definitely! Though it tends to show in different ways. Fathers can feel overwhelmed with the new responsibilities, feel helpless not knowing how to support the mother, or feel neglected/rejected when the mother gets so anxious over the baby that she does not allow the father to handle the baby.
Q: What are the signs that indicate postpartum depression in men?
Lilian Ong: Anger, irritability, withdrawing from interactions and responsibilities, turning to substances (increased smoking, drinking). Actually, the signs for general depression and postpartum depression are similar. The definition of “postpartum” usually means it occurs within one year from childbirth, and the contributing factors are related to becoming a parent.
Q: When should we seek professional help for postnatal depression?
Lilian Ong: When you find that you are struggling with your mood for most days, for at least two weeks already. Or when you have more severe signs like serious thoughts of suicide, harming the baby, or hallucinations, seek immediate help because it is highly risky, but can definitely be treated, especially with early intervention.
Q: Are there any home remedies that can help with postnatal depression?
Lilian Ong: Not sure what you mean by home remedies? If it is an approved supplement and supposed to help with symptoms like poor sleep/appetite/mood, you may try at your own discretion. But if you are already taking prescribed medication, then please check with the pharmacist for any interactions. Generally, for moderate to severe levels of depression, counselling together with medication would be the recommended treatment.
Q: What are the long-term effects of postnatal depression on our health?
Lilian Ong: If untreated, similar to the long-term effects of stress, it may affect our heart health, immunity, and overall mental health. I haven’t come across studies that track long-term effects after recovering from PND.
Q: Are hormones also at play in the development of postpartum depression?
Lilian Ong: Not by itself, but some women may be more sensitive to hormonal changes, so their mood gets affected, or they experience other physical effects from the hormonal changes, making everything harder to cope with.
Q: How does postpartum depression affect the relationship between mother and baby?
Lilian Ong: When depressed, the mother would not be able to respond with varied expressions, looking gloomy most of the time. Babies can sense it and avoid looking at the mother’s face, so the baby feels disconnected. The mother also does not feel any joy from looking after the baby, just going through the motions of what needs to be done. No interaction means the baby has no opportunity to learn social cues. If the mother’s depression results in her being irritable and easily annoyed, she may lose her temper at the baby, causing the baby to fear the mother, or become even more clingy, making the mother feel even more stressed. So it just continues in a cycle.
Q: What are the potential risks and consequences of untreated postnatal depression?
Lilian Ong: Poor functioning, feeling miserable every day. When untreated, the depression may drag on for months or even years. It will also affect family relationships and the baby’s development. The worst-case scenario is feeling so hopeless that it ends in suicide. Yes, this has happened in Singapore before, and even one such case is one too many.
Q: Can you please explain the difference between postnatal depression and baby blues?
Lilian Ong: Baby blues are very common in the first 1-2 weeks after delivery, affecting 70-80% of all women. Mood changes are milder and short-term. It is due to hormonal changes and the adjustment to new routines and responsibilities. For most cases, it will just subside on its own, especially with good family support. However, in PND, the mood changes are more intense, lasting more than two weeks, affecting overall functioning, and making it difficult to cope. It tends to persist for months and may spiral down into severe problems when untreated.
Q: What factors or situations contribute to the development of postnatal depression?
Lilian Ong: Genetic factors, environmental factors, personality, and coping mechanisms. Genetic factors can be seen from a family history of mental health conditions, although genes also interact with the environment, so it’s not a standalone determinant. Environmental factors refer to the actual circumstances, such as how challenging they are, e.g., a preterm baby needing more care, a baby having sleep or feeding difficulties, or other family problems. Personality traits such as perfectionism, inflexibility, or being easily anxious also play a role. A lack of coping skills and not knowing how to handle stress and emotions effectively can contribute as well.
Q: Can postnatal depression occur even if a woman has no history of mental health issues?
Lilian Ong: Yes, it can. When stress levels are higher than the amount of support and internal resources (how you cope, your beliefs, and expectations, etc.), PND can still develop.
Q: How can partners and family members support a mother who’s suffering from postpartum depression?
Lilian Ong: Equip yourself with accurate information. Learn how to respond to emotions, how to encourage by journeying alongside her rather than just giving advice and solutions. Attend doctor’s visits together to show that you are in this as a team—don’t make her feel like she is the one with the problem.
Q: Are there any strategies or coping mechanisms you can suggest to help balance work and motherhood?
Lilian Ong: Be clear on your values and what really matters. Everything can seem important, and we want to do our best in everything, but the reality is that our time and energy will be limited. So we have to be clear on what really matters and let go of some expectations. Otherwise, it’s just too much pressure.
About Lilian Ong
Lilian Ong is a Registered Counsellor and the Director of Wellness Journey Pte Ltd, specializing in mental health support for adults, parents, and families. She provides compassionate counselling for postnatal mood challenges, parenting stress, and mother-baby bonding difficulties. With a focus on both recovery and preventive care, Lilian helps individuals navigate life transitions and build emotional resilience.
Final Thoughts
Postnatal Depression: Expert Advice on Prevention and Coping Strategies
Dealing with postnatal depression can feel isolating, but help and support are available. By understanding the risk factors, seeking timely professional care, and building a strong support system, parents can navigate this challenging period more effectively.
Remember, PND is treatable, and with the right approach, recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—you don’t have to go through it alone.
