Every other woman has been through what I am going to discuss at least once in a life. Life changes right away when you become a mother. As a first-time mom, I thought I was prepared for everything. I had read all the books, taken all the classes, and even attended a few support groups. I had a great support system in my husband, family, and friends, and I was ready to take on the challenge of motherhood.

But what I wasn’t prepared for was postpartum depression.
After the birth of my daughter, I experienced a range of emotions, from joy and elation to fear and anxiety. But those feelings soon turned into something darker, something I couldn’t shake off. I found myself crying for no reason, feeling hopeless and helpless, and struggling to bond with my baby. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and felt like a failure as a mother.
It took me a while to recognize that I was experiencing postpartum depression. I was ashamed and embarrassed to admit that I was struggling, and I felt like I was the only one going through this. I tried to push through it, to put on a brave face, and to pretend that everything was okay. But the more I tried to hide it, the worse it got.
Finally, one day, I broke down in front of my husband. I told him everything I was feeling, how I was struggling to cope, and how I felt like a failure as a mother. He listened to me without judgment and then encouraged me to seek help.
I started seeing a therapist who specialized in postpartum depression. She helped me understand what was happening to me, and taught me coping mechanisms to deal with the intense emotions I was feeling. She also encouraged me to connect with other moms who were going through the same thing, which helped me feel less alone.
I also made some lifestyle changes. Like, I started exercising regularly, eating healthy, and taking time for self-care. I learned to prioritize my mental health, be kind to myself, and let go of the guilt and pressure to be a perfect mom.

It wasn’t an easy journey, but I slowly started to feel like myself again. I started to enjoy motherhood, to bond with my baby, and to find joy in the little moments. It was a gradual process, but with time and support, I was able to overcome my postpartum depression.
Looking back, I realized that asking for help was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family. It takes strength to admit when you need help, and I’m grateful that I had the support and resources to overcome postpartum depression. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help other moms who might be going through the same thing and encourage them to seek help and support.
- Cara Vlotman (England, 2022)