By Kim Vermaak
“I thought I was the only one” is a sentiment familiar to many people who experience postpartum depression.
Behind the celebrations that welcome a new baby, some parents struggle with feelings they cannot explain, let alone share. Too often, shame prevents them from seeking help. However, they are not alone.
A South African review found that 30.6% of women studied experienced postpartum depressive symptoms. This finding highlights the scale of the country’s maternal mental health challenge and the need for greater awareness.
Breaking the silence around postpartum depression
The author tackles this often-overlooked subject in Taming the Monster of Postpartum Depression. Drawing on personal experience, interviews with mothers and fathers, and conversations with specialists, she examines the emotional realities of becoming a parent. She also explores the support families need during this transition.
Vermaak experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her first child. Consequently, she began questioning why society pays so much attention to physical recovery after childbirth. Meanwhile, emotional struggles often go unrecognised.
We live in a society that applauds mothers who push through and labels those who fall apart. But pushing through should not come at the cost of a parent’s emotional safety. Sometimes, what people need most is human connection, understanding and the freedom to admit they are not okay, not just pills to mask their symptoms.
Taming the Monster of Postpartum Depression brings together personal accounts from mothers and fathers. It also features expert interviews covering sleep, nutrition, movement, time in nature, breastfeeding and mental health in the workplace. Furthermore, readers will find the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), information about national and international support groups, and practical guidance on recognising when someone needs support.
Taming the monster of depression beyond the individual
The book also acknowledges that postpartum depression affects families beyond the individual experiencing it. By including fathers’ perspectives, Vermaak broadens the conversation about parental wellbeing.
The author’s approach encourages partners, families, healthcare professionals and employers to recognise distress rather than dismiss it. This makes Taming the Monster of Postpartum Depression a useful resource for anyone seeking to understand the emotional challenges surrounding parenthood.
I hope this book encourages more open conversations about postpartum depression and the mental health of parents. Most importantly, I hope it reminds anyone who is struggling that asking for help does not mean you are failing.
– Zane Wilson, Founder of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Ultimately, Vermaak delivers an important message: parents should not have to reach breaking point before anyone acknowledges their struggles. By combining lived experiences with professional insights, Taming the Monster of Postpartum Depression challenges stigma and encourages compassion. It is a valuable read for parents, families and professionals who want to create environments where seeking help feels safe, understood and accepted.
About the author
Kim Vermaak is a South African author and TEDx speaker who uses her personal experience of postpartum depression to raise awareness about parental mental health. Through her writing and advocacy, she encourages honest conversations and greater understanding of the challenges parents face.
- PUBLISHER | Write Learn and Earn |
- ISBN | 978-1-0671731-2-8 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R540.00 |
- Classification | Mental Health/ Psychology/Pregnancy & Birth |
For more information | Janine Daniel | +27 (0)83 327 3393 | mail me |
