You're not a monster, but human

MENTAL HEALTH: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AFFECTS MOMS, DADS ALIKE; HEALING IS POSSIBLE

- Yvonne De Bruin

Last year, families around the world spent over $18 billion (about R317 billion) chasing the dream of motherhood. But behind the glow of new beginnings, many parents face a silent struggle that too often goes unseen: postpartum depression (PPD).

This is according to Kim Vermaak, author, speaker and paternal mental health advocate who specialises in helping people navigate the often-overlooked journey of PPD.

She is the author of Seven Letters and Taming the Monster of Postpartum Depression, bringing personal experience and professional insights into her talks.

"One in seven women and one in nine men experience postnatal depression, a condition that can transform joy into despair and leave loving parents feeling like strangers to themselves," says Vermaak.

"Yet, smiles often mask the turbulence within. Postpartum depression could affect your colleague, your friend, your partner or even you."