South Africa is one of the 5 countries with the highest postpartum depression rates worldwide. The stigma attached to this condition makes it hard for new moms to admit they’re not coping. Counselling psychologist Luricka Fick discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of postnatal depression, the question of “fantasy versus reality”, and sensible steps a mom or her loved ones should take.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Luricka and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device. Tip: Use earphones to listen in private.

In ep. 109 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Luricka Fick discusses

•  the “baby blues” – what new moms should know

• symptoms of the baby blues, including mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, overwhelm, decreased concentration, and appetite and sleep problems

• whether postnatal depression only accompanies the birth of the first child

• the influence of factors like cultural nuances and social media on new moms

• the causes of postpartum depression - including unrealistic expectations, a baby that’s ill, or trauma related to giving birth – and the grieving process that may follow

• the signs of postpartum depression, including moodiness, uncontrollable crying, struggling to bond with your baby, withdrawing from others, appetite or sleeping problems, fatigue, irritability, anger, reduced ability to think clearly, and panic attacks

• the art of being a good-enough mother

• how postnatal depression is diagnosed

• where to find help

• how postpartum depression is treated

• the effect of this condition on a mom’s relationship with her baby and her partner

• a controversial question every parent should ask

• advice for the loved ones of a mom who may have postpartum depression

• Luricka’s 3 best tips on mental health.

• In this episode, Luricka mentions Donald Winnicott, Jacques Lacan, Gabor Maté and The Feeling Wheel by Gloria Willcox.

  Scroll down for more info on Luricka.

Luricka considers the effect of our sensory profile - especially hyper- or hypo-sensitivity - on our mental health.

Read about Luricka’s view of Freud, her home life, and guilty pleasures.

Feel free to click on Home and browse this website for articles and podcasts on more fulfilling love relationships, easier parenting, and upping your emotional well-being.

Here Tanya Muir, the “Sleep OT”, discusses sleep problems encountered by parents, babies and young kids.

Business & confidence coach Gosia Scarrott illuminates the challenges new moms face, and shares solutions that have worked for her.

Contact details

Luricka Fick is a counselling psychologist and founder at Dynamic Health Today, based in Johannesburg. She works in person and online.

Websites:

https://bettermom.today - including a podcast called The Good Enough Mother Podcast.

https://joburgpsychologist.today/

Tel. 083 759 0351

Email address: hello@bettermom.today

Facebook: BetterMom and Luricka Fick Counselling Psychologist 

Instagram: @bettermom.today

LinkedIn: Luricka Fick

Developmental specialist Dr. Melodie de Jager talks about her free blog on giving your baby the best pregnancy and birth experience.

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm.

Music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Model used.

Photograph of Luricka Fick: supplied