Postpartum depression, often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma, is a silent struggle faced by many new mothers. With World Mental Health Day approaching, it’s important for us to inform ourselves about mothers’ mental and emotional well-being as opposed to passing judgment or looking the other way.

South Africa (09 October 2024) – It is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the term “mental health” has come to be widely used, it is still a subject that is wildly misunderstood due to its complexities.

That is why we are so grateful for educational platforms such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and experts who shed light on relevant mental health topics that can help us better understand our emotions, challenges, stresses and how we show up for our loved ones.

One of many important mental health topics is Postpartum Depression (PPD), which can so easily be considered as bad parenting or a lack of love or maternal instinct from a new mom.

A mother’s silent struggle

Motherhood is a beautiful journey for both the mum and her little one, but it is also a demanding, life-altering one that comes with a rollercoaster of other emotions, physical and hormonal changes, as well as unexpected challenges.

While trying to nurture a new baby, oftentimes, the mom is still required to show up for the different areas of her life as if she hasn’t undergone a major life change. Many can feel like being too tired, struggling or being overstimulated is a bad thing due to the pressures of being “a great mother” or failing to show up as one.

Touching on the topic of new moms navigating mental health challenges and the stigma attached to it, SADAG shared a Glamour article on insights into PPD by Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a psychiatrist specialising in women’s Mental Health at Netcare Akeso Kenilworth.

According to Vythilingum, the most common features of PPD are feeling down or low, feeling bad about yourself, not being able to bond with the baby, or not being interested in the baby.

“Women with postpartum depression are often seen as being bad mothers or not grateful enough for their new baby.

“It’s important to note that this is not true and the hallmarks of clinical depression, including feelings of apathy, helplessness and hopelessness, affect the mother’s ability to mother. Once perinatal or post-partum depression is identified, there are highly effective treatment options,” the psychiatrist says.

Vythilingum also states that PPD can cause a lot of anxiety for mothers regarding their babies. It can lead to difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep. They may feel low and apathetic, and this often hinders their ability to care for themselves and their child.

Breaking the stigma surrounding PPD

Many of us have heard about “childhood traumas” and Vythilingum also touches on how PPD can severely affect the mother’s children, particularly as they become young adults. So it is important to address the mother’s well-being to avoid a cycle of mental health issues in her family.

Love and care are key! The healthcare expert stresses the importance of loved ones supporting new moms experiencing PPD. This can look like seeking professional help from your obstetrician/gynaecologist or mental health professional.

They can provide a proper assessment and start treatment, helping mothers overcome this challenge and begin a journey of healing and resilience!

Sources: SADAG / Glamour

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‘Guardians of Hope’ from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group are more than a phone call away; their heroes are heading into schools to make mental health support super accessible! Here’s more on why the SADAG is not just a helpline:

South Africa (24 October 2023) — Mental Health Awareness Month may be nearing an end, but the same can’t be said for the mental health challenges that impact all kinds of South Africans. This is why the people who work year-round in mental health spheres and at institutions like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group play such an important, public role in putting the ‘health’ in mental health.

Access to help is one of the most important avenues in any mental health journey. Sadly though, for many young people who are more susceptible to being influenced by their circumstances and adults who might not understand the importance of mental health support, finding help can feel like a losing battle.

Cue the SADAG’s unsung heroes and unofficial guardians of hope.

Where many might incorrectly assume that the SADAG is the 911 helpline equivalent for dire situations, it actually houses a wealth of resources, volunteers and counsellors who stand as the frontline of defence for a myriad of challenges and severity scopes beyond anxiety and depression alone.

Some other areas of their focus include panic disorders, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD (Attenion-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

In the plight of young South Africans and students who might feel too afraid to contact them, the SADAG’s School Outreach programme takes a ‘water to the horse’ approach. Here, ScOut counsellors go into schools across the country to provide both students and staff members with more knowledge about mental health challenges; identifying worrying signs and reducing stigmatising narratives.

They also pride themselves as purveyors of personalised support because no two mental health journeys are the same. This is essential in a society where public support is often accused of offering cookie-cutter solutions.

Beyond their own expertise, these counsellors also connect students to external mental health resources to ensure they receive the best help they need beyond the school environment as SADAG’s Roshni Parbhoo explains.

“SADAG’s ScOut Team are the unsung heroes in the battle against youth suicide. Their multifaceted role extends far beyond traditional counselling, encompassing education, crisis intervention, and community building. They provide hope, support, and a path to healing for students facing mental health challenges. Their importance cannot be overstated in a world where the mental well-being of our youth is a paramount concern.”—Roshni Parbhoo.

For more information on all the South African Support and Anxiety Group does (including toolkits, support groups and important contact details), visit them here.

Sources: Roshni Parbhoo/SADAG 

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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