Taming the Monster
Finding Hope and Healing after Postpartum Depression
Welcome
If you’re here, you might be facing a challenging PREGNANCY CRISIS or navigating the often overwhelming reality of PARENTAL and POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.
As someone who battled severe postnatal depression; also known as postpartum depression and author of “Taming the Monster,” I understand the darkness and the feeling of being utterly alone. You are not. Tragically, studies show that up to 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression. This isn’t just about individual suffering; it impacts our wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons and daughters.
It even affects corporates, where depression is a leading cause of absenteeism. Shame often silences the very women who desperately need help during a pregnancy crisis or with their mental health after giving birth. This website is a safe space dedicated to breaking that silence and prioritizing women’s health. I offer hope and practical strategies learned through my journey. Are you ready to start your journey towards healing?
Learn more about my workshops for corporates with mental wellness programmes, NGOs, churches with pastoral care teams, and maternity groups. Reach out today – you don’t have to face this alone.
What is Postnatal or POSTPARTUM Depression?
Are you or someone you know feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or persistently sad after childbirth? POSTNATAL DEPRESSION (PND), also known as POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, is more than the “baby blues.” It’s a real and serious mental health condition that can affect your ability to care for yourself or your baby. You are not alone. Many new parents experience feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation, making it hard to seek help. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Whether you’re a parent, HR manager, or caregiver, knowing the signs and encouraging professional support can make a life-changing difference. Everyone deserves to feel supported, uplifted and well.
Can Men Suffer From Paternal Postpartum Depression?
Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious but often overlooked condition affecting up to 1 in 10 new fathers. It can begin during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. Common signs include sadness, anger, irritability, withdrawal from family, changes in sleep or eating habits, and loss of interest in activities. Fathers may also feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected from their baby. PPD can impact relationships and the baby’s development if left untreated. Men often hide their symptoms, making it harder to detect. With support, counseling, and in some cases, medication, recovery is possible and families can heal together.
Meet Kim Vermaak
Kim Vermaak
The Mindset Whisperer
Kim Vermaak, author, speaker, and host of the Write Learn and Earn Show, draws upon her own powerful journey through severe postnatal depression to offer vital insights and hope. Having spent years empowering leaders to share their stories, Kim now bravely steps forward to break the silence on this often-hidden struggle affecting countless women within our communities and workplaces. Through her personal narrative, "Taming the Monster," and impactful talks, Kim offers understanding and practical strategies for mental health support groups, corporates with wellness programs, NGOs, and the women directly facing PND. Join us to learn, connect, and discover how we can better support mothers on their path to recovery and wellbeing.