By OBAKENG MAJE
24 April 2025- The North West Department of Health said Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects new mothers, often leading to emotional distress and in severe cases, harmful behaviours. The department was responding to a media inquiry sent by The Guardian Newspaper (formerly known as Taung DailyNews), after a woman allegedly killed her newborn baby in Khibitswane village, near Taung a few weeks ago.
According to the allegations, a woman who is mentally-ill, threw her baby in a canal after experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD). This sent shivers up the spines of many as they alleged that they know the woman as stable and not mentally-ill.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said, while the majority of mothers experience mild “baby blues”, PPD is more intense and can last for months, if untreated. Mothibedi said mothers experiencing PPD can take several steps to manage their condition.
“Seek professional help and consulting a healthcare provider for therapy or medication can be crucial. Build a support system by talking to family, friends, or support groups because that can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
“Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, and proper sleep. This can improve mental well-being,” he said.
Mothibedi further said communicating openly by expressing emotions and concerns to trusted individuals can reduce stress too. He added that relatives play a vital role in supporting mothers with PPD.
“They can offer emotional support by listening without being judgmental and providing reassurance that can help mothers feel understood. Help with daily tasks by assisting with childcare, household chores, and meal preparation can also reduce stress,” said Mothibedi.
He encourages those affected to find professional help. Mothibedi said if symptoms persist, gently encourage seeking medical assistance.
“Be aware of symptoms and intervene, if the mother exhibits signs of severe distress. Persistent sadness or mood swings are symptoms of PPD. PPD symptoms vary in severity and may include persistent sadness or mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby.
“This includes withdrawal from family and friends. Loss of appetite or overeating. Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep). Intense irritability or anger. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby,” he said.
Mothibedi said there is limited publicly available data on the number of PPD cases handled across healthcare centres in North West, South Africa, for the 2024/2025 financial year. He said, however, studies indicate that PPD is a significant concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 3.8% to 69.9%, depending on various factors.
“PPD is not rare—it affects approximately 1 in 7 women globally. In South Africa, the prevalence is estimated to be around 30.6%, making it a significant public health issue.
“PPD requires urgent attention and intervention to prevent tragic incidents. Raising awareness, providing accessible mental health services, and fostering community support can help mitigate its impact,” said Mothibedi.
The Guardian 