Perinatal Mental Health Project gives clarity on misbeliefs around postpartum depression

Cailynn Pretorius

Cailynn Pretorius

9 August 2025 | 10:38

According to the maternity organisation there is a stigma and misconception around women with postpartum depression.  

Perinatal Mental Health Project gives clarity on misbeliefs around postpartum depression

CAPE TOWN - This Women's Day, the Perinatal Mental Health Project turn its attention to the pregnant women living with postpartum depression.  

According to the maternity organisation, there is a stigma and misconception around women with postpartum depression.  
It is believed that new mothers will always need high specialist care to treat their depression; however, many women can recover from this mental health condition.
Founder and director of the Perinatal Mental Health Project, Simone Honikman, said that antidepressants were safe for new mothers and breastfeeding mothers. 
"People, both in the general public, but also even within health systems, tend to think that it's not a big problem, that it's a rare problem, whereas in fact, as I've mentioned, it's extremely common," said Honickman.
Honikman added that when mothers receive the necessary support and care, they are able to recover.  
"Another very unhelpful myth or misconception is that people don't get better, and in fact, with proper care and treatment, people can get, one can prevent depression, postpartum depression, but one can also treat and manage it very effectively."
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