Awareness is gradually increasing for post-partum depression (PPD) which occurs after a baby’s birth; but what about depression that is ongoing throughout a pregnancy? A story from the Straits Times reveals that prenatal depression is less familiar and even more misunderstood that postnatal depression in Singapore. Discover some of the effects of this type of depression on young mothers.
A Happy Time— Or Not
A young mother knows that she is supposed to feel happy and excited during her pregnancy. However, some women simply don’t feel that way; in fact, they feel just the opposite. They may experience fatigue, anxiety, panic, insomnia, lethargy, and sadness throughout those nine months.
Because they are supposed to feel happy, these women try to hide their depression from others. Their sense of guilt and their repression of their feelings only makes the situation worse.
Ms Annabel Chow experienced prenatal depression throughout her pregnancy. “Others kept telling me that I should be happy, that I was lucky to be having a child,” she says. “It added to the guilt I felt that I was not happy.”
The Difficulty of Diagnosis
Dr Chan Herng Nieng of Singapore General Hospital recognises the reality of depression during pregnancy, but admits that it can be tough to diagnose. He explains that there is “an overlap of symptoms between depression in Singapore and normal pregnancy, such as fatigue, loss of energy and changes in appetite and sleep.”
A doctor may assume that the woman is simply experiencing pregnancy symptoms with a little more severity than usual; but he or she may not realise that depression is actually the cause of the symptoms.
Finding Support and Help
The shame, guilt, and failure to meet social expectations can burden a pregnant woman, causing her to sink even deeper into depression. In some cases, women can break down completely or become suicidal.
Thankfully, Ms Annabel Chow took action to help herself. After experiencing suicidal thoughts, insomnia, and other symptoms, she consulted her doctor, who gave her an effective medication. Today she is the happy mother of three children and wife to a successful doctor.
Going to Your Doctor
If you are struggling with feelings of uncontrollable sadness, weariness, or anger during your pregnancy, don’t allow the dismissive attitude of others to keep you from seeking help. You may lack a key nutrient, mineral, or vitamin in your diet, or you may be suffering from an undiagnosed condition of the thyroid or immune system. For your health and your baby’s wellbeing, it is crucial for you to discuss your feelings and symptoms with your doctor, as well as seeking the help of a trained psychiatrist or psychologist in Singapore.
Visiting a Psychiatrist in Singapore
Don’t suffer in silence! Call Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic today and schedule a consultation. Our comfortable offices and our skilled care team will help you feel right at home, and one of our expert mental health professionals will evaluate you and determine what kind of gentle therapies or other treatments might be right for you.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times 1 Oct 017
Awareness is gradually increasing for post-partum depression (PPD) which occurs after a baby’s birth; but what about depression that is ongoing throughout a pregnancy? A story from the Straits Times reveals that prenatal depression is less familiar and even more misunderstood that postnatal depression in Singapore. Discover some of the effects of this type of depression on young mothers.
A Happy Time— Or Not
A young mother knows that she is supposed to feel happy and excited during her pregnancy. However, some women simply don’t feel that way; in fact, they feel just the opposite. They may experience fatigue, anxiety, panic, insomnia, lethargy, and sadness throughout those nine months.
Because they are supposed to feel happy, these women try to hide their depression from others. Their sense of guilt and their repression of their feelings only makes the situation worse.
Ms Annabel Chow experienced prenatal depression throughout her pregnancy. “Others kept telling me that I should be happy, that I was lucky to be having a child,” she says. “It added to the guilt I felt that I was not happy.”
The Difficulty of Diagnosis
Dr Chan Herng Nieng of Singapore General Hospital recognises the reality of depression during pregnancy, but admits that it can be tough to diagnose. He explains that there is “an overlap of symptoms between depression and normal pregnancy, such as fatigue, loss of energy and changes in appetite and sleep.”
A doctor may assume that the woman is simply experiencing pregnancy symptoms with a little more severity than usual; but he or she may not realise that depression is actually the cause of the symptoms.
Finding Support and Help
The shame, guilt, and failure to meet social expectations can burden a pregnant woman, causing her to sink even deeper into depression. In some cases, women can break down completely or become suicidal.
Thankfully, Ms Annabel Chow took action to help herself. After experiencing suicidal thoughts, insomnia, and other symptoms, she consulted her doctor, who gave her an effective medication. Today she is the happy mother of three children and wife to a successful doctor.
Going to Your Doctor
If you are struggling with feelings of uncontrollable sadness, weariness, or anger during your pregnancy, don’t allow the dismissive attitude of others to keep you from seeking help. You may lack a key nutrient, mineral, or vitamin in your diet, or you may be suffering from an undiagnosed condition of the thyroid or immune system. For your health and your baby’s wellbeing, it is crucial for you to discuss your feelings and symptoms with your doctor, as well as seeking the help of a trained psychologist in Singapore.
Visiting a Psychiatrist in Singapore
Don’t suffer in silence! Call Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic today and schedule a consultation. Our comfortable offices and our skilled care team will help you feel right at home, and one of our expert mental health professionals will evaluate you and determine what kind of gentle therapies or other treatments might be right for you.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times 1 Oct 017