14/10/2025
Today is a sad day, with the loss of a mother and infant in Hong Kong. It’s a tragedy for our society and an opportunity for us all to collectively step-up.
Perinatal Mental Health isn’t a niche subject. It’s the foundation of which life comes into our society and when untreated can be life threatening.
The post-partum time period is the most vulnerable a woman will ever be in her lifetime. Second only to adolescence but in adolescence you have access to a community and adults are looking out for you much more. We screen for “at-risk” youth. We are better at looking out for those teens than we are for mothers.
There is huge stigma around the challenges of motherhood. It doesn’t come naturally, and even if it did there is nothing natural about the way we raise children in industrialised societies so mother’s and families are having to navigate this landscape on sleep deprivation the best they can.
and.co has put together a great list of community leaders and resources. Reach out, lean in. You’re not alone. It feels hard because it is hard. You’re not the problem, but there is a problem that needs to be cared for. Mental health challenges thrive in silence. Break the stigma.
Lindsay Parfitt, Calm Hong Kong - counsellor focusing on maternal mental health, works out of Central Health.
Brittney Tsang, Willow Support - free, peer-led support groups for those experiencing pregnancy challenges and loss. .support
Mind HK also have a free talking therapy programme
If you have suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who does, help is available. Dial +852 18111 for the government-run “Mental Health Support Hotline” or +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans and +852 2382 0000 for Su***de Prevention Services.
