How prevalent is postnatal depression in Hong Kong and what support is in place?

An expatriate mother was suspected of drowning her seven-month-old daughter before hanging herself at her luxury home on Shouson Hill Road in the Southern district on Monday.

Police investigations found that the deceased woman, 34, had a history of depression and showed signs of relapse after giving birth.

The Post examines the state of depression in Hong Kong and the risks of relapse.

1. How prevalent is depression in Hong Kong?

According to authorities, around 2.9 per cent of ethnic Chinese residents aged 16 to 75 suffer from depression.

A study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) last year projected that between 55,849 and 57,896 people would live with depression annually through 2032 if no new treatment methods or medicines were introduced.

Professionals speaking to the Post said new mothers are particularly vulnerable due to drastic hormonal changes and the challenges of motherhood.

A separate study involving researchers from HKU and other institutions found that 33 per cent of mothers surveyed likely had postnatal depression and needed health assessments.

2. What are the signs of postnatal depression or relapse?