HOW IS IT TREATED?

PPD is a form of major depression and recommended treatment is the same for men and women – antidepressant medication combined with therapy – either as an individual or as a couple. Support from employers, such as paid paternity leave, could also help fathers adapt to stress during the postpartum period.

“It’s important to remember that depression is an illness like any other and it can happen to anyone,” says Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a psychiatrist at Akeso Kenilworth in Cape Town.

“Being depressed doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Don’t struggle alone hoping that the problem will go away.”