Why do I lose my temper and cry easily after giving birth?
Transcript
Due to hormonal changes, role adjustment, and the challenges of baby care, some postpartum women may experience some emotional changes.
Research data shows that about 40% to 80% of postpartum women will experience mood swings, crying, insomnia, and irritability. These mood changes usually appear three to five days after childbirth. The symptoms are relatively mild and transient, usually resolve on their own within a few days.
If the mood condition does not improve, or even worsen, with low mood, lack of energy, frequent crying and excessive anxiety, etc., and obviously affects the woman's daily life, like insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, and self-blame, etc., then it is very likely that she is suffering from postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression is treatable. After receiving treatment, with the care and support from family members and friends, most women can recover and return to healthy lives.
If you suspect that you or your loved ones have emotional disturbances or postnatal depression, you can seek help from your family doctor, or other professionals such as social workers or psychologists, or contact the Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) of the Department of Health. For more information on women's mental health, please refer to the "Woman Health – Psychosocial Health" webpage of the Family Health Service website.