Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? On this occasion, counsellor Sheilla Andeso Muhindi turns the spotlight on another quiet struggle many women face: postpartum depression. Speaking directly to mums, families, and anyone who cares about mental health, Sheilla paints a vivid picture of a new mother who smiles for photos and replies "Mi ni kopua" – I'm fine – while secretly thinking, "Si kopua.

I am not okay." Through the story of “Cheryl”, she shows how exhaustion, guilt and overwhelm can sit right alongside deep love for a baby. Sheilla clearly explains the difference between short-lived “baby blues” and postpartum depression that lingers beyond two weeks and makes daily life feel impossible. She lists symptoms like intense sadness, anxiety, extreme tiredness, loss of interest in usual activities, trouble concentrating, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Crucially, she stresses that this is **not** a sign of being a bad mother or ungrateful: "You can love your baby deeply and still be struggling emotionally." The episode also calls out social expectations and social media pressure that push mothers to pretend everything is perfect. Sheilla challenges the habit of asking only about the baby and urges people to keep checking in on the mother herself: ask, "How are you?" – and keep asking.

Her message is simple and gentle: postpartum depression is treatable, reaching out to a psychologist or mental health professional is an act of courage, and no one should have to suffer in silence. She ends by reminding everyone that behind every mother is a human being who deserves care, compassion and community support.

If you or someone you love is quietly saying "I’m fine" while falling apart inside, could this be the nudge to start a kinder conversation and seek help?