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Women's Mental Wellness Service

The vision and mission of Women's Mental Wellness Service is to support KKH, to lead in excellent, holistic and compassionate care for Women and Children through:

  • promoting awareness and enhance emotional wellness,
  • providing comprehensive evaluation and holistic care to women who suffer from a spectrum of emotional challenges and psychiatric disorders
  • improving the lives of women, their families and caregivers.

Clinical care will be complemented by research and dissemination of important findings that emerge across the field of women's mental health.

Develop and advance the field of women’s mental health, and contribute to the academic knowledge and capabilities of healthcare professionals.

Women with the following conditions can expect to be provided with the highest level of personalised care

Psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum (e.g. depression, anxiety)

Although pregnancy has typically been considered a time of emotional well-being, studies suggest that up to 20% of women suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, about 80% of women experience some type of mood disturbance.

For most, the symptoms are mild and short-lived (postnatal blues); however, about 10-15% of postnatal women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Particularly vulnerable are those women with histories of psychiatric illness, previous pregnancy-related disorders, difficult childhood experiences and marital problems. Left untreated, psychiatric illness can affect the well-being of the mother and growing fetus, and affect the ability of the afflicted mother to bond with her child.

It has been shown that children of depressed mothers are at risk of being slower intellectually and emotionally. With appropriate treatment, which may include medications that are compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding, the afflicted woman can recover, and regain optimal functioning to prepare for the birth, and to care for her baby.

If you need information or advice about getting help for postnatal depression, drop us an email at pnd@kkh.com.sg. We will reply within 3 to 5 working days. 


Psychiatric disorders related to infertility and assisted reproduction

Infertility can affect a woman’s sense of well-being, and the stress of undergoing infertility treatments can be immense, often experienced as an emotional roller-coaster ride. Depression and anxiety can often set in, and this in turn can possibly lower the chances of conception. Therapy, counselling, and where necessary, medication, can be provided to enable the woman to overcome her emotional difficulties, and cope better.

Psychiatric disorders related to pregnancy loss (abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth)

Women who have had a pregnancy loss, whether intentional or not, are at an increased risk of depression, and other emotional symptoms. Often, these psychological issues will resurface again during a subsequent pregnancy.


Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (depression during the premenstrual period)

Many women in their reproductive years experience transient physical and emotional changes around the time of their period; usually, these symptoms are mild and tolerable. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome affecting about 5% of women in their reproductive years, and is characterized by more significant premenstrual mood disturbance.

Symptoms include irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, as well as the usual physical symptoms. These symptoms emerge one to two weeks preceding menses and resolve completely with the onset of menses, and result in marked social or occupational impairment, especially in interpersonal functioning. With appropriate treatment, women can expect to be relieved.


The menopause transition and depression

Not uncommonly, women who are experiencing menopause can experience physical symptoms as well as emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. For those with prominent emotional symptoms, psychological therapy and medication can be beneficial in alleviating the distress.


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