This article was first published in TODAY Voices on 18 May 2017. 

Recent conversation acknowledging the reality of post-partum depression (PPD) is a positive step forward. But societal support needs to be more readily available for mothers affected by mental health difficulties, or struggling with childcare responsibilities.

PPD is not an exceptional risk – prevalence may be 10-15% or possibly higher. Healthcare professionals interacting with mothers in the risk period should be systematically sensitised to this experience, so that they are routinely looking out for symptoms, and equipped to respond to them in constructive ways.

One of our staff members who experienced PPD gathered the courage to speak to her gynaecologist about her symptoms, only to be told to “hold and smell her baby” and to “be grateful to God”. She did not find this advice understanding or useful, and she was not offered any resources for support.

Professionals should actively provide women with resources like helplines, referrals to mental health experts or counselling services, and support groups. Receiving empathetic responses, and knowing that her difficulties are recognised, can greatly help in a mother’s recovery.

Family members – particularly partners – also have a critical role to play. Mothers experiencing PPD often report feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated at their partners or family members. They may also experience feelings of a loss of identity and social isolation.

Fathers need to be more sensitised to the impact of caregiving on mothers, by paying attention to potential symptoms of PPD, promptly addressing mothers’ difficulties, helping with tasks and chores, and offering to arrange professional support should the mothers wish to access such services.

Moreover, we hear often of giving mothers breaks, but rather than only temporary respite, what we need is for the structures and routines of family life to be made more supportive for women, for instance through a more equal sharing of parental responsibilities.

In Singapore, we have not yet achieved this. Of over 1,300 people we surveyed, 58% of male respondents believed women should take care of household chores and caregiving, compared to 47% of female respondents.

Crucially, the more that society, employers, and the state can support the active involvement by fathers in day-to-day caregiving, the more we can alleviate the stresses that new mothers face.

Parenting is not an easy journey, and support will always be needed. Women who are in need of a listening ear can contact AWARE’s Helpline (Mon-Fri, 3pm – 9.30pm) at 1800 777 5555. Fathers who are concerned that their partners are experiencing PPD can call the Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) at 1800 283 7019.