Dr Lynne Yong says society must accept that seeking treatment for mental issues is not something to be ashamed of. Photo: The Star
Postpartum depression can happen to anyone and its prevalence is about 10% of new mothers, said Penang Adventist Hospital consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lynne Yong. Women who miscarry or whose babies are stillborn are also susceptible to postpartum depression.
The exact cause of postpartum depression is not clear, but some of the risk factors include hormonal changes, history of mental illness, marital or financial stresses, birth complications, lack of self-confidence as a parent, problems with the baby’s health, major life changes around the time of delivery, lack of support or help with the baby or severe premenstrual syndrome.
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