Maternal Mental Health Support in Singapore
Maternal mental health support is vital in ensuring the overall well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. With the right support, new mothers can transition more smoothly into motherhood.
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Motherhood can be a joyous adventure, and it can also be a stressful time. This is the time when many psychological, social, and physical changes are taking place, leading to negative outcomes for both the mother and her child if left unattended.
As expats in Singapore, private maternity insurance has made accessing mental health support easier, and it also covers some tests and scans, and also the physical health of both the mother and child during labor and delivery. Hence, understanding the benefits of maternity insurance is advisable.
This article aims to shed light on the current state of maternal mental health in Singapore, explores existing government-initiated support systems, and highlights the importance of mental health support for all new mothers and mothers-to-be.
Understanding Maternal Mental Health
Maternal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is an umbrella term that encompasses mental health conditions such as prenatal and postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis.
In Singapore, studies have shown that maternal mental health issues are prevalent, with approximately 10-13% of women experiencing perinatal depression. Without appropriate intervention, poor maternal health can have adverse and persistent implications for these women, their children, and their families.
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) saw cases of post-natal depression shoot up during the pandemic. With that said, there’s only one in six would seek professional help after experiencing symptoms of depression, illustrating that it is uncommon for mothers to identify mental health problems.
Common Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Symptoms differ for everyone, mild or severe, and are dependent on the stage of pregnancy or whether the mother has gone through the process of childbirth. Common maternal mental health conditions are:
- Low mood, sadness, or excessive crying
- Fear or anxiety relating to pregnancy or birth
- Excessive feelings of guilt and shame
- Intrusive thoughts of undesirable things happening to the baby
Lesser-known signs include:
- Inability to enjoy things
- Difficulty sleeping when the baby sleeps
- Interpersonal sensitivity, particularly with family members
Differentiating Worrying and Anxiety Disorder
It is normal to be worried as giving birth is like stepping into the unknown, various things could strike unexpectedly. While a certain level of worrying is expected, there is a difference between worrying and anxiety disorder.
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Understanding the differences between worrying and anxiety disorder can help you self-identify anxiety issues so that you can seek professional help promptly to avoid lasting consequences of maternity mental health issues on the mother and her family.
Impacts of Maternal Mental Health Issues
A mother’s mental well-being during and after pregnancy has an impact on her pregnancy health and her child’s development, and the consequences of maternal mental health issues are not to be overlooked. Here are some key impacts:
Maternal Well-being: Maternal mental health issues can profoundly affect a mother’s emotional well-being. Such conditions can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which undermine a mother’s quality of life and diminish her enjoyment of motherhood.
Parent-Child Relationship: Maternal mental health issues can strain the parent-child relationship. Mothers experiencing mental health challenges may find it difficult to bond with their children, provide consistent care, and respond sensitively to their child’s needs.
Child Development: Maternal mental health directly influences children’s development, disrupting the responsive caregiving that children require for healthy emotional, cognitive, and social development. Children may be at higher risk of developmental delays and behavioral problems in school.
Family Dynamics: Maternal mental health issues can strain family dynamics and relationships. The emotional distress experienced by mothers can lead to increased conflict, tension, and strain within the family unit. Partners may struggle to understand and support the mother.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing Maternal Mental Health
From unrealistic societal expectations to cultural beliefs and stigma, society plays a significant role in shaping maternal mental health, which is a foundation for thriving families and a healthier society.
Societal Expectations: Societal expectations regarding motherhood can place significant pressure on women. Culturally prescribed responsibilities such as being the primary caregiver and balancing work and family life, can stress them out, contributing to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Cultural Beliefs and Stigma: Cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding mental health can influence how maternal mental health issues are perceived. Stigma and misconceptions about mental health can prevent mothers from seeking help or openly discussing their struggles.
Migration and Acculturation: For immigrant or migrant mothers, the process of adapting to a new culture and navigating different support systems can pose unique challenges. The experience of social isolation, language barriers, and loss of traditional support networks can impact maternal mental health.
Overview of Maternal Mental Health Support in Singapore
The Singapore government has set guidelines for managing perinatal mental health, to ensure the quality and accessibility of the service. From raising awareness to education on screening and optimizing treatment and support, Singapore mothers can easily obtain professional medical attention.
Here is the set of guidelines from the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore:
- Increase awareness and provide advice on preconception mental health
- Optimize preconception mental health
- Conduct screening and assessment for antenatal depression/anxiety
- Optimize care, treatment, and support for antenatal depression/anxiety
- Conduct screening and assessment for postnatal depression/anxiety
- Optimize care, treatment, and support for postnatal depression/anxiety
- Provide mental health support in severe maternal events and those with maternal health needs
- Tailor perinatal mental healthcare for adolescents and women with special needs
- Promote higher caregiving quality for perinatal and infant mental health needs
- Integrate the above mental health recommendations optimally into the perinatal healthcare framework for the best results
Accessing Maternal Mental Health Services in Singapore
Clarity Singapore
Clarity Singapore is a counseling service provider that offers a range of mental health services in Singapore. They provide counseling and therapy for individuals, couples, families, and children dealing with various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship problems.
Their team of qualified counselors and therapists aims to provide support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve their mental well-being.
Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
From support groups to individual therapy sessions tailored for new and expectant mothers, IMH is a specialized psychiatric hospital that provides comprehensive mental healthcare services.
Their counseling services may include individual therapy sessions where trained mental health professionals work with individuals to address their specific concerns related to maternal mental health.
These sessions can provide a safe and supportive environment for discussing emotions, coping strategies, and developing personalized treatment plans.
IMH may also offer group therapy or support groups specifically tailored for mothers experiencing perinatal or postpartum mental health issues. These group sessions provide an opportunity for mothers to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and receive support.
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
KKH has been providing screening and early intervention for potential mental health conditions. Under the NUH WEHS and KKH’s Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme (PNDIP) also provide depression/severe anxiety screening at 2-8 weeks postpartum.
Up till now, more than 165, 000 women have benefitted from the WEHS and PNDIP programmes.
Singapore Local Hospitals and Clinics
Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has a psychiatry clinic located within the obstetric-gynecology specialist outpatient clinic – women with depression will be managed by a multidisciplinary team comprising a psychiatrist, case manager, occupational therapist, and psychologist.
Hospitals may also assess the spouses for signs of distress, tiredness, difficulty in coping with the pregnancy, or paternal postnatal depression. Where appropriate, the affected spouse is offered a referral to the polyclinic or mental health professionals.
Within the community, initiatives such as KidSTART, led by the Early Childhood Development Agency, actively screen for paternal depression during home visits and direct appropriate individuals to polyclinics for further assessment.
Tips for New Mums Managing Mental Health
From showing self-compassion to understanding self-care per se, it is not impossible to manage maternal mental health as new or expectant mums. Here are a few tips from Pacific Prime to help you better monitor your emotions before or after giving birth to a newborn:
Show Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and shutting down your inner critic. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Know That Motherhood Isn’t About Being Perfect: Understand that motherhood is unpredictable, and it’s normal to struggle. Let go of perfectionism and accept that mistakes are part of being human.
Understand That Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Permit yourself to prioritize self-care for your mental and physical well-being. Taking care of yourself energizes and replenishes you.
Seek Support: Reach out for help if you’re unsure if you have a perinatal or postpartum mood disorder. Utilize resources and support groups available for new mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a common concern for new mothers. Common signs include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, etc. No matter the symptoms, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Where can I find support and resources for maternal mental health in Singapore?
Organizations like IMH, Clarity Singapore, KKH, and even local hospitals and clinics offer counseling services and support groups. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and public healthcare institutions also provide specialized services.
How can I practice self-care and prioritize my mental well-being as a mother?
Practice self-care by getting enough sleep, exercising, maintaining a support network, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, pursuing hobbies, and seeking help when needed. Prioritize your mental well-being without feeling guilty.
Conclusion
Maternal mental health is an overlooked issue in Singapore affecting hundreds and thousands of mothers. With proper support, it is possible to achieve prevention and early intervention, which helps mothers cope with their emotions and step into a new stage of life with happiness and confidence.
Maternity insurance helps ease some of the financial pressure brought by childbirth and also allows access to private healthcare for top-notch medical services. You can rest assured that you and your child’s physical and mental health are protected.
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance brokerage industry, Pacific Prime specializes in providing clients with insurance solutions from global insurers that suit their needs and budgets.
Contact our team of expert insurance advisors today for impartial advice or an obligation-free quote!
Enjoyed this article? Check out others on topics like Childbirth Education Classes in Singapore and Direct Billing for Claims in SIngapore!
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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