Meroyan (Kemurungan Selepas Bersalin): Tanda, Beza Baby Blues & Cara Dapatkan Bantuan

Meroyan is the Malay word many families use for postnatal depression, a common and treatable condition after having a baby. In Malaysia, about 1 in 9 mothers with a child under 2 had probable postnatal depression in the 2022 national survey. It is different from the baby blues, which usually pass within 2 weeks, and from postpartum psychosis, a rare emergency. Meroyan is not your fault. Talking therapy and, if needed, medicines that are safe while breastfeeding can help, and the sooner you get help, the better. This guide explains the signs, the differences, and where to get help in Malaysia.

Apa itu meroyan?

Meroyan is the everyday word for a new mother who is not her usual self after giving birth, and it is most often used for postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression). The NHS describes postnatal depression as a common mental health condition that can happen after having a baby, and says it usually gets better with treatment.

It is more than feeling tired or a bit down. The symptoms are similar to depression at other times in life: low mood and other symptoms that last at least 2 weeks and can make it hard to look after yourself and your baby (RCPsych). If you would like to read about depression in general, see our guide to kemurungan (depression).

• How common is it? The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) says it affects 10 to 15 in every 100 women having a baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide about 13% of women who have just given birth have a mental disorder, mainly depression, rising to about 20% in developing countries.
• When does it start? It most often starts about 1 to 3 weeks after birth (ACOG), and most episodes begin within 4 to 8 weeks (NIMH). It can start any time up to a year after your baby is born, or even during pregnancy (NHS). About a third of women with postnatal depression had symptoms that began in pregnancy (RCPsych).
• Whose fault is it? Nobody's. It can happen to any mother, whatever her age, race, income or education, and it is not caused by anything she has or has not done (NIMH).

Baby blues, meroyan atau psikosis: apa bezanya?

Many mothers have mixed emotions after having a baby. Doctors describe three different conditions, and they need very different responses:

If you are not sure which one you have, it is always fine to ask. The NHS says it is important to get help even if you only have some of the signs, because you are more likely to get better with treatment.

Tanda-tanda meroyan

The NHS lists these symptoms of postnatal depression:

• low mood, and finding it hard to enjoy anything;
• feeling hopeless or that you cannot cope;
• feeling guilty or worthless, or that you are a bad parent;
• feeling fearful, anxious or worrying all the time;
• feeling restless or irritable;
• difficulty sleeping, even when you get time to rest;
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions;
• difficult feelings about your baby, or difficulty bonding with your baby;
• thoughts of suicide, or of harming yourself or your baby.

Some mothers mainly feel anxious. You may worry all the time that your baby is ill, not gaining enough weight or might stop breathing, and anxiety can cause a racing heart, breathlessness and sweating (RCPsych; see also our guide to panic attack). Some women also have aches, headaches or stomach problems with no clear physical cause (NIMH).

Frightening thoughts about your baby

Some mothers with depression have frightening thoughts about harming their baby. RCPsych says depressed mothers often worry about this, but harming the baby is very rare, and most mothers never act on such thoughts. MedlinePlus also says these feelings are almost never acted on, but you should tell your doctor about them straight away.

Many women are afraid that if they talk about how they feel, their baby may be taken away. In fact, the doctors and nurses caring for you want to help you get better so that you can care for and enjoy your baby at home (RCPsych).

Meroyan di Malaysia

Postnatal depression is common in Malaysia, and many mothers do not know they have it:

• National survey. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022 on maternal and child health found that 11.2% of mothers aged 15 to 49 with a child under 2 had probable postnatal depression, including both known and undiagnosed cases.
• Local studies. Earlier studies in different parts of Malaysia found rates from 3.9% to 22.8%. In a 2021 study of 350 mothers attending a Kuala Lumpur health clinic 1 to 6 months after birth, 14.3% had symptoms of postpartum depression, and mothers with a low household income were more likely to have symptoms (Hairol et al., 2021).
• Across Southeast Asia. A 2023 review of studies in ASEAN countries, published in the Medical Journal of Malaysia, found that about 1 in 5 mothers had postpartum depression. Lack of family support and physical violence were linked to a higher risk (Sainuddin et al., 2023).

Most Malaysian studies use a short questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which has a validated Malay version (Hairol et al., 2021; Alsabi et al., 2026). A questionnaire like this is a screening tool, not a diagnosis, so if your score is high or you are worried, talk to a doctor.

Many Malaysian families observe a period of rest after birth. To read what research says about confinement and a mother's mood, see our guide to berpantang.

Punca meroyan dan siapa lebih berisiko

It is not known exactly what causes postnatal depression. The stress of caring for a new baby, lack of sleep and hormonal changes may all be involved (NHS). Levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall sharply in the hours after birth, and tiredness may be a major contributor; recovery can take even longer after a caesarean (ACOG).

The NHS says your risk is higher if you:

• had depression or another mental health condition before or during your pregnancy;
• have had a recent difficult life event, such as losing a job or the death of someone close;
• have a premature or unwell baby, or twins or more;
• do not have enough support from family and friends;
• have relationship problems;
• are experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

MedlinePlus adds being under 25, an unplanned pregnancy, a difficult or emergency delivery, and money or housing problems. In a 2026 review of Malaysian studies, a history of depression was one of the strongest risk factors (Alsabi et al., 2026).

If you have had depression before, or you are taking an antidepressant, tell your doctor early in your pregnancy, or ideally before you get pregnant. They may suggest starting treatment soon after the birth to help prevent depression (ACOG). If you are struggling with your mood while pregnant, for example during severe alahan mengandung (morning sickness), tell your doctor or klinik kesihatan too.

Rawatan meroyan

Postnatal depression is treatable, and most women feel better with the right help (NIMH). Your doctor will ask how you have been feeling and may ask you to fill in a questionnaire (NHS). They may also order blood or urine tests to check for a physical illness that could be causing your symptoms (MedlinePlus). The help you need depends on how severe your depression is (RCPsych):

• Support. Mild postnatal depression can be helped by more support from family and friends (RCPsych).
• Talking therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are evidence-based talking therapies for depression around pregnancy (NIMH). Therapy can be one-to-one, in a group, or with your husband or family (ACOG).
• Antidepressants. The NHS says many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding; tell your doctor you are breastfeeding and they will choose a suitable one. Antidepressants pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally very low (ACOG). They usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work, and sleep and appetite often improve before your mood lifts (NIMH).
• Specialist care. If your depression is severe, you may need care from a mental health service (RCPsych).

Support groups can help, but they should not replace medicine or talking therapy if you have postnatal depression (MedlinePlus). Do not stop or change prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor. Drann does not recommend any supplement, herb or "ubat meroyan" product for postnatal depression; ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything.

Cara bantu diri sendiri

Coping with depression while looking after a baby is very hard work. Alongside treatment, these steps can support your mental health (NHS; MedlinePlus):

• Talk about how you feel to your husband, a family member, a friend, a health professional or a counsellor. Do not hide your feelings.
• Ask for practical help with shopping, housework, cooking and looking after the baby or older children.
• Rest whenever you can. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. If you lie awake even when you have the chance to rest, see our guide to susah tidur (insomnia).
• Move a little each day, even if it is just a short walk.
• Meet other mothers at a support group or a parent-and-baby group.
• Do something you enjoy, however small.
• Do not try to be perfect or do too much, and avoid making major life changes right after the birth.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs to manage your feelings.

If you keep going over the same worries, our guide to overthinking has some practical techniques. Self-help is not a replacement for treatment: if you still feel low after 2 weeks, see a doctor.

Untuk suami dan keluarga

A husband, mother, mother-in-law or friend is often the first to notice that something is wrong. You can help by (NHS):

• being calm and supportive, and taking time to listen;
• helping with housework, cooking and shopping;
• helping with childcare and night-time feeds, so she can get as much sleep as possible.

Encourage her to see a doctor or the nurse at her klinik kesihatan, and offer to go with her. Good support from family and friends may help reduce how severe postnatal depression becomes, although it may not prevent it (MedlinePlus).

Fathers and partners can also have depression after having a baby (NHS). If you are struggling too, talk to a doctor or call a helpline. For more on supporting someone with depression, see our guide to kemurungan.

Psikosis selepas bersalin: bila jadi kecemasan

Postpartum psychosis (also called puerperal psychosis) is a serious mental illness that affects around 1 in 1,000 mothers after giving birth. It is very different from the baby blues and should be treated as a medical emergency (NHS). Symptoms usually start suddenly in the first 2 weeks after birth and can include (NHS; RCPsych):

• hallucinations: hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that are not there;
• delusions: thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true;
• a very "high" or overactive mood, racing thoughts, or losing normal inhibitions;
• low mood, being withdrawn or tearful, or a mood that changes very quickly;
• severe confusion, or feeling as if you are in a dream;
• finding it hard to sleep, or not wanting to sleep.

A mother with postpartum psychosis may not realise she is ill, so her husband or family may need to act (NHS). See a doctor the same day if you notice these signs, and call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department if she or the baby may be in danger.

Treatment usually happens in hospital and may include medicines to stabilise mood and treat psychotic symptoms. Most women make a full recovery with the right treatment (NHS). The risk is higher if you have bipolar disorder, a close relative who had postpartum psychosis, or had it after a previous pregnancy (NHS). After one episode, there is about a 1 in 2 chance of another after a future pregnancy (NHS), so if any of these apply to you, tell your doctor early in pregnancy, or before you try for a baby, so that a care plan can be made (RCPsych).

Di mana dapatkan bantuan di Malaysia

Start with a doctor at a klinik kesihatan, a GP or the clinic where you had your antenatal care. In the NHMS 2022, 95% of mothers attended a clinic for postnatal care at one month after birth, so this is a good time to say how you feel, but you do not need to wait for an appointment. If you think you may have postnatal depression, contact a doctor straight away (ACOG).

• Talian HEAL 15555: the Ministry of Health's mental health support line, run by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, open daily including public holidays from 8am to midnight;
• Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, +603-7627 2929: free, confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day;
• Talian Kasih 15999 (or WhatsApp 019-261 5999): a 24-hour government helpline for women and families facing abuse or family crises;
• 999: if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Your body is recovering too. Your postnatal check is also a good time to ask about physical problems such as a gap in your tummy muscles (diastasis recti).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Apa itu meroyan (what is meroyan)?

Meroyan is the everyday Malay word for a new mother who is not her usual self after giving birth. It is often used for postnatal depression, a common condition that can cause low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, guilt and difficulty bonding with your baby. It can start in pregnancy, soon after birth or up to a year after your baby is born, and it usually gets better with treatment (NHS). It can happen to anyone, and it is not your fault (RCPsych).

Apa beza baby blues dan meroyan (baby blues vs postnatal depression)?

Baby blues affects more than half of new mothers. It usually starts 3 to 4 days after birth, brings tearfulness, mood swings and anxiety, and stops by about 10 days without treatment (RCPsych). The NHS says it usually goes away within 2 weeks. Postnatal depression lasts longer than 2 weeks, is more intense, and makes it hard to cope with daily life, so it needs help and treatment (NIMH; NHS).

Berapa lama meroyan boleh sembuh (how long does postnatal depression last)?

With treatment, postnatal depression usually gets better in 3 to 6 months, but it can sometimes last much longer (NHS). Left untreated, it can last for months or years (MedlinePlus). The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to get better, and it is never too late to ask for help (RCPsych).

Boleh makan ubat kemurungan semasa menyusu (can I take antidepressants while breastfeeding)?

Yes, in many cases. The NHS says many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding, and your doctor will choose one that suits you if you tell them you are breastfeeding. Antidepressants do pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally very low (ACOG). Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to work (NIMH). Do not stop or change your medicine without talking to your doctor.

Kenapa ibu boleh meroyan (what causes postnatal depression)?

There is no single cause. The stress of caring for a new baby, lack of sleep and hormonal changes may all play a part (NHS). Your risk is higher if you have had depression or another mental health condition before or during pregnancy, have little support, have relationship problems, are going through a stressful life event, or experience abuse (NHS). Malaysian studies have also linked it to a history of depression (Alsabi et al., 2026) and low household income (Hairol et al., 2021). It can happen to anyone, and it is not caused by anything you did (NIMH).

Bagaimana suami dan keluarga boleh bantu ibu meroyan (how can family help)?

Be calm and supportive, take time to listen, and encourage her to see a doctor or the nurse at her klinik kesihatan. Help with practical things such as cooking, housework, shopping, childcare and night feeds, so she can get as much sleep as possible (NHS). Fathers and partners can also get depression after a baby is born (NHS), so look after yourself too.

Bila meroyan jadi kecemasan (when is it an emergency)?

Get help the same day if a new mother sees or hears things that are not there, has strange beliefs, seems very confused, is unusually high, restless or not sleeping at all, or her mood changes very quickly. These can be signs of postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious illness that is a medical emergency (NHS; RCPsych). She may not realise she is ill, so family may need to act (NHS). If she or the baby may be in danger, or she talks about suicide or harming the baby, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. If you are worried about your mood or someone else's after having a baby, contact a doctor or klinik kesihatan. In an emergency, call 999.

References

• Postnatal depression — NHS
• Postpartum psychosis — NHS
• Postnatal depression — Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
• Postpartum psychosis — Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
• Postpartum depression — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Perinatal depression — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• Perinatal mental health — World Health Organization (WHO)
• Postpartum depression — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: Maternal and Child Health fact sheet — Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
• Hairol MI, et al. Incidence and predictors of postpartum depression among postpartum mothers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0259782
• Sainuddin SS, et al. A 10-year systematic review and meta-analysis of determinants of postpartum depression in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries. Med J Malaysia. 2023;78(5):675-686
• Alsabi R, et al. Risk factors of post-partum depression among Malaysian women from 2011 to 2023: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2026;29(2)
• Talian HEAL 15555 tawar sokongan mental mula beroperasi — Sinar Harian
• Befrienders Kuala Lumpur
• Talian Kasih 15999 — Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Malaysia (MyGOV)