Social media: Recent social media posts suggesting that a local celebrity may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) following the birth of her first child have sparked widespread discussion about the condition online, indirectly creating more awareness of the disorder and the fact that its symptoms can go unnoticed by some mothers, particularly first-time mums.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, speculation about the actress' health emerged after she was seen appearing visibly stressed, with noticeable physical changes including weight loss, coupled with perceptions that she was struggling to balance her career commitments with her responsibilities as the mother of a one-year-old child.
In her social media posts, she admitted she had to 'sacrifice sleep', staying up through the night to care for her baby before returning to the filming set the following morning. This prolonged routine led to sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue, despite the help and support she received from close family members. However, she denied claims that she was suffering from PPD, clarifying that she was merely experiencing extreme exhaustion brought on by the demands of childcare and a heavy work schedule.
Postpartum depression refers to intense and prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness after childbirth that can interfere with a mother's ability to carry out her daily routines. Dr. Gayathri Mariappa, a consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and maternal fetal medicine specialist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, said the condition usually lasts longer than two weeks and can occur at any time, from as early as the second week after childbirth up to a year after delivery.
According to Dr. Gayathri, the exact cause of PPD has yet to be fully identified by medical experts. However, she pointed out, several factors have been recognised as increasing the risk of PPD among mothers. Among them is a history of mental health issues, particularly depression, experienced either before or during pregnancy. Other factors include a lack of support from close family members or friends, or a strained relationship with their partner, including domestic violence, as well as exposure to major stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one. She added that PPD can also affect mothers with no obvious risk factors or prior history of mental health problems.
Elaborating further, Dr. Gayathri said the arrival of a baby can bring about major life changes for a mother, who may face emotional stress and physical exhaustion while caring for an infant, potentially triggering depressive symptoms. She also said first-time mothers have been identified as facing a higher risk of developing postpartum depression, particularly as they adjust to new routines associated with infant care.
Studies have shown that new mothers who return to work after maternity leave face a higher risk of emotional distress and postpartum depression. This is largely due to the challenges of balancing work demands with childcare and household responsibilities, often resulting in physical exhaustion, mental strain, and significant emotional burden.
Dr. Gayathri also said many early symptoms of PPD are often overlooked and dismissed as normal emotional changes after childbirth, resulting in new mothers not getting help at an early stage. Common early signs include sudden mood changes, such as shifting from happiness to sadness or extreme distress, as well as frequent crying episodes without an obvious cause.
To manage early symptoms, mothers are encouraged to take self-care steps such as sharing their feelings with family members or friends and clearly communicating the type of help they need. Mothers are also advised to make time for activities they enjoy and receive adequate rest and sleep, as well as exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
Meanwhile, psychiatrist and mental health specialist Dr. Fakrul Azren Azhar said comprehensive antenatal education, including mental preparation, understanding emotional changes after childbirth, and having a strong social support system, can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression among mothers. He said emotional health, particularly among first-time mothers, should be given the same level of attention as physical check-ups during pregnancy and after delivery.
Dr. Fakrul Azren also reminded mothers facing emotional distress not to suppress their feelings, but to seek appropriate support and assistance. He emphasized that seeking treatment is not something shameful and is crucial for healing emotional wounds just as physical wounds require care.