By Rukudzo Gota
Motherhood is often described as a national duty, with mothers expected to give birth to future leaders, scientists, economists, doctors, and more. The birth of a first child marks a woman’s initiation into motherhood, a journey that demands emotional strength and resilience. For 28-year-old Sekai Mhurudzwa (not real name), her first experience of childbirth was blissful and free of complications.
One might assume that having gone through one childbirth, a mother is prepared for what comes next. But each pregnancy and postpartum period presents its own set of challenges.
For Sekesai, the birth of her second child at age 24 brought a harrowing ordeal: postnatal depression (PND). She found herself battling deep depression, anxiety, and overwhelming hopelessness.
I lost myself completely,” she shares. “It was as if I had fallen into a dark pit and didn’t know how to climb out. I was constantly tired, crying without reason, and everything felt meaningless.”
Anxiety became a constant companion.
“At one point, I even developed high blood pressure and found myself resenting my baby. I was so angry, not just at my situation, but at my first child too,” she recalls.
She describes feeling ashamed and confused by her emotions. “I hated myself for feeling that way. I kept asking, ‘What kind of mother feels this?’ But I couldn’t snap out of it.”
Initially, Kaponda didn’t realize she was experiencing PND.
“Everyone tells you motherhood is hard, so I thought it was just part of the package,” she says. “It wasn’t until I found myself shouting at my baby for crying that I realized something was really wrong.”
Her partner, admits it was difficult to understand what was happening.
“She became distant, withdrawn. I thought maybe she didn’t love me anymore or regretted having another child,” he says. “I didn’t know about postnatal depression at the time. I just thought she needed rest. But it went beyond that.”
He eventually attended a therapy session with her, which he says changed everything.
“The counselor explained what she was going through, and I felt guilty for not recognizing the signs sooner. I realized that supporting her emotionally was just as important as helping with the baby,” he explains.
He now urges other men to be part of the postpartum journey.
“Don’t wait for her to break down. Be present. Ask how she feels. Go with her to appointments if you can. Just be there.”
Sekesai credits therapy and her support system for her recovery.
“Sisterhood played a huge role; knowing that other women had similar experiences inspired hope in me. My family stepped in when I needed space, allowing me to begin the healing process,” she says.
She also found comfort in talking to other mothers, including 31-year-old Tafadzwa Nyamande*, who experienced severe PND after the birth of her twins.
“I didn’t bond with my babies for almost two months,” Nyamande recalls. “I went through the motions—feeding, changing, rocking—but emotionally, I was numb. Everyone called me blessed for having twins, but inside, I felt broken.”
Nyamande says speaking to a counselor at her local clinic helped her reframe her expectations and feel less alone.
“I thought I was a bad mother, but I wasn’t. I was just unwell. The minute I accepted that, things began to change.”
Her advice to other mothers is to speak out early.
“You don’t have to be a superhero. If you feel overwhelmed, speak to someone. The earlier you get help, the better it is for you and your baby.”
Both women now advocate for awareness and early intervention. Kaponda, who now considers having a third child, says she feels equipped.
“I know the signs now. I know where to go. I’m not afraid anymore.”
In Zimbabwe, the invisible battle with postnatal depression continues to silently affect the well-being of many new mothers. A 2010 study by the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals reported a high prevalence of PND among Zimbabwean women, ranging from 30 percent to 40 percent. This stands in stark contrast to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global estimate, which reported in 2021 that 10 percent to 15 percent of women worldwide suffer from the condition. More recent data suggests Zimbabwe’s prevalence has risen from 30 percent to 34 percent.
“Every quarter, we receive two to three women struggling with postnatal depression,” says Winnet Manyadza, Clinic and Further Education Manager at CONNECT, the Zimbabwe Institute of Systemic Therapy.
Manyadza emphasizes the far-reaching impact of PND, not only on a mother’s emotional well-being but also on her physical health and relationship with her child. “When a mother is trapped in the depths of depression, it affects how she nurtures and engages with her child, which consequently influences that child’s growth and development.”
Untreated PND can also disrupt family dynamics. Misunderstandings and cultural stigma often worsen the situation.
“Imagine a woman who is already vulnerable and feels unsupported by her family. When they call her a ‘witch’ or accuse her of being spiritually possessed, it only deepens her struggles. In some cases, it can even lead to divorce,” she says.
At CONNECT, therapy for PND includes both individual counseling and family therapy designed to educate partners.
“We want husbands to recognize the signs of PND and understand how their support is crucial in helping their wives recover,” Manyadza explains.
This holistic approach combines medical care with psychological support, ensuring mothers receive comprehensive treatment.
“We do follow-ups with our patients as they navigate their recovery journeys, tailoring support based on their progress,” she adds.
However, significant challenges remain. Cultural misconceptions about PND continue to discourage many women from seeking help. Others struggle to distinguish between typical postpartum emotions and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
The shortage of trained mental health professionals further compounds the issue.
“As we advocate for more training and registration of psychologists, our health institutions are committed to raising awareness,” Manyadza notes.
Education is a critical tool in dismantling stigma. Manyadza advocates for including mental health education in prenatal care.
“It’s not just about physical readiness. Mental health should be a priority as well. We need to ensure that mothers know what to expect and how to navigate their new roles without losing themselves,” she emphasizes.
The growing prevalence of postnatal depression in Zimbabwe points to an urgent need for open conversations, accessible mental health resources, and stronger community support systems. By breaking the silence around this condition, mothers can be empowered to seek the help they need and foster healthier families and communities.
