Postnatal Depression Counselling And Treatment In Hong Kong

WHAT IS THE BABY BLUES?

Having a baby can be an exciting but stressful experience. You think the balloons, champagne, and new bundle of joy should have you in a state of bliss, but instead, the baby blues have you in tears.

Very much a natural part of the birthing process, and affecting a vast majority of new moms, the "baby blues" refers to a widespread emotional disturbance that appears around the third day after childbirth and can last for days or even weeks.

The vast majority of new moms experience the baby blues in one way or another, with feelings ranging from being upset to mildly depressed. The new mom might experience moodiness, loss of appetite, or feel like crying for no apparent reason. These tears are the result of the physical and emotional hormonal chaos your body is going through. So don't beat yourself up! Just let it all out and have a good cry. No treatment is required aside from rest and support from family and friends.

WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Unlike the baby blues, PND is a more pressing issue and one that should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to distinguish between the baby blues and PND. In the early days, PND had many symptoms that are similar to the baby blues including sadness, insomnia and mood swings.

The difference between PND and the baby blues is that PND has more severe symptoms that usually last a lot longer. Below are some of the signs to watch for:

* YOU:  Lack of concern for yourself, loss of pleasure, lack of energy, lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

* YOUR BABY:  Lack of interest in your baby, negative feelings toward your baby, worrying about hurting your baby.

* YOUR BODY:  Sleeping more (or less) than usual, changes in appetite (or weight)

WHAT TRIGGERS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION? WHEN CAN IT OCCUR?  

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS:

Doctors are not sure what causes PND. They do know that for those vulnerable to depression, a major life-change or upheaval can trigger it.

Having a baby will be one of those great adjustments in life where everything has been turned on its head. In addition to the change, two other triggers (isolation and exhaustion) also make women more vulnerable.

PND is particular to motherhood, which brings with it a new and changed identity. In the early weeks and months, it can be difficult for a mother to feel like an individual in her own right. Likewise, her time is dictated by her baby's need for food, sleep, and comfort. Being responsible for a wholly dependent and desperately vulnerable infant can be difficult, leaving some mothers anxious, irritable, and claustrophobic.

It is hard to identify who will suffer from PND, but those that have a history of depression are top on the list. Other factors can include:

* Having perfectionist tendencies

* Social pressures, such as financial anxieties

* Relationship problems

* A history of childhood traumas and difficulties

* Having a sick and/or difficult baby

* Having experienced a recent bereavement

* Other recent life changes, such as relocating.

SELF HELP FOR POSTNATAL DEPRESSION:

For those with PND, the best thing you can do is take good care of yourself. So what can you do to help yourself?

*  Sleep - make sure to get your beauty sleep.

*  Pamper yourself - take some time to enjoy yourself. Go to the spa or pamper yourself at home with a bubble bath. Choose anything that cheers you up, whether its a soothing walk on the beach or day in a cafe reading a book, Take care of you!

*  Nutrition - be sure to eat healthy (for both yourself and to ensure that the quality of your breast milk is good if you are feeding). If in doubt go to a nutritionist to see what is the best diet for your brain, breastmilk, and body.

*  Sun - get a bit of sunshine, get that vitamin D. Makes the skin glow, make sure to avoid peak times (12pm until 3pm) where the sun can be harmful during summer.

*  Exercise - go for a hike, hit a yoga studio, or take a walk around your neighborhood. Exercise takes your mind off things, and will also help you sleep.

*  Friends/Family - while you might want to be alone, its essential to lean on your friends and family, make those relationships a priority. Don't go through it alone, speak to other mothers. Whatever your thoughts, it's good to share with the ones you trust.

*  Get Support - join support groups with other new moms such as Little Steps Bump Club due date groups. This way you can meet other mothers who might be going through the same thing.

PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR POSTNATAL DEPRESSION IN HONG KONG:

Every woman recovering from PND is different, but research shows mothers benefit from the support of others including friends and family. If despite the self-help and the support of your family, you’re still struggling with PND, you may want to consider seeking professional treatment. PND responds to the same types of treatment as regular depression including therapy, medication, and support groups.

EXTRA: HELPING SOMEONE WITH POSTNATAL DEPRESSION IN HONG KONG:

GETTING HELP AND COUNSELLING FOR POSTNATAL DEPRESSION IN HONG KONG:

HELP IN HONG KONG:

Central Health Medical Practice, 3/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2824 0822, enquiries@centralhealth.com.hk, www.centralhealth.com.hk

FB Group For Parents In Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/groups/pndawarenesshongkong/?hc_location=ufi

Annerley, www.annerley.com.hk

St John's Counselling, www.sjcshk.com

Focus Clinic (Dr. May Lam), www.finddoc.com/en/practice/info/the-focus-clinic-3645

MindNLife (Dr. Qurtulain Zaidi), www.mindnlife.com