“They Lose Their Minds”: Psychologist Highlights Mental Impact of Childbirth
- A psychologist spoke about postnatal psychosis, a serious mental health condition that can happen after childbirth
- He stressed that families must understand the warning signs and prioritise mental health during the postpartum period
- Social media users praised the awareness message and shared their own experiences with maternal mental health
- Briefly News spoke to Katlego Kgadima and Portia Monnapula-Mazabane, both psychologists, to better understand the mental and emotional changes women may experience before and after childbirth
Behind the joy of childbirth can be silent struggles, and this psychologist’s message reminded everyone why mental health support for new mothers cannot be ignored.
Source: TikTok
Thabo, a psychologist known on social media as @thepsychologistcorner, shared an important message about mental health after childbirth. The video was posted on 17 February 2026, and he joked that someone should call the lady who keeps a list of reasons not to get pregnant and add this one too. He said childbirth is dangerous, and as much as women can lose their lives in the process, they can also experience another mental illness.
User @thepsychologistcorner spoke about postnatal psychosis, a severe mental health condition that can happen shortly after birth. It does not affect every mother, but when it does, it can be intense. It can impact the mother, baby and the rest of the family.
Why childbirth awareness matters
The psychologist stressed the importance of open conversations. Many people talk about pregnancy. Few talk about the mental risks after delivery. He explained that education before and after birth is key. Families need to know what signs to look out for.
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Postnatal psychosis can include confusion, mood changes and unusual behaviour. It requires urgent medical attention. Early support can make a big difference. That is why discussions like these matter. Social media users thanked him for raising the topic. Some said they had never heard of it before. Others shared personal experiences. The video encouraged people to treat mental health as part of overall maternal care.
Kgadima explained to Briefly News that pregnancy itself can bring significant emotional shifts.
“Common psychological changes during pregnancy include heightened anxiety about labour, the baby’s health and parenting competence. Mood fluctuations are also common due to hormonal changes. The postpartum period can bring emotional overwhelm, irritability and mood swings. This affects many mothers in the early days after birth.”
However, she noted that some women experience more serious conditions.
“Some mothers may develop postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Others experience birth-related trauma, particularly if they had a difficult or traumatic delivery.”
According to Kgadima, societal expectations make it difficult for mothers to speak openly about these struggles.
“Motherhood is often portrayed as purely joyful and instinctive. This makes it hard for women to express distress without feeling guilt or shame.”
She also pointed out that healthcare systems tend to focus more on the baby than the mother’s emotional wellbeing.
“Medical care often prioritises infant health, with less structured follow-up for maternal mental wellbeing. Some mothers worry they will be seen as unfit if they speak about intrusive thoughts or emotional struggles.”
Kgadima says partners and families play a crucial role in identifying when a new mother may need support.
“Persistent sadness lasting longer than two weeks, withdrawal from loved ones, lack of interest in the baby, and intense irritability or anger are important warning signs.”
She also highlighted cognitive and behavioural indicators.
“These can include persistent feelings of worthlessness, intrusive or distressing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Families should watch for significant sleep changes unrelated to the baby’s schedule, appetite changes, or avoiding caring for the baby.”
Monnapula-Mazabane on the other hand said the psychological changes surrounding childbirth are medically recognised and widely studied.
“The clinical term most used to describe psychological changes during and after childbirth is perinatal mental health disorders. This includes conditions such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis and adjustment disorders.”
She explained that these conditions are often grouped under what professionals call perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
“Collectively, these are known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in clinical practice, and they highlight the importance of understanding and supporting women’s mental health during this significant life transition. After childbirth, many women experience normal emotional adjustments, often referred to as the ‘baby blues’ during the first one to two weeks postpartum. These mood fluctuations are usually linked to rapid hormonal shifts and the process of adapting to a new role as a parent.”
However, some women may experience more serious challenges.
“Some women may face postpartum depression, which affects roughly 10 to 20% of women globally, as well as postpartum anxiety. Difficult or traumatic birth experiences can also lead to trauma-related reactions or post-traumatic stress symptoms. Some women notice changes in cognition, sometimes called ‘pregnancy brain’, which can affect attention and memory. These changes are typically temporary and resolve over time.”
Monnapula-Mazabane said societal expectations often make it difficult for women to speak openly about their struggles.
“Historically, childbirth care has focused mainly on physical and obstetric concerns, with less consistent attention given to psychological wellbeing or long-term mental health follow-up. Cultural expectations of ‘joyful motherhood’ can create stigma and feelings of shame, which may discourage women from expressing emotional distress or seeking support.”
She added that mental health stigma can become more intense during the perinatal period.
“Many women fear being judged or labelled as an ‘unfit mother’, which can make it even harder to reach out for help. In many cases, maternity care and mental health services are separated, which can lead to inconsistent screening, limited referral pathways and gaps in access to treatment."
Monnapula-Mazabane emphasised that family members and partners play an important role in recognising when a new mother may need support.
“Families can look for persistent low mood, tearfulness, irritability, hopelessness, guilt or loss of interest lasting longer than two weeks postpartum, especially if daily functioning is affected. Excessive worry, panic symptoms, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance or difficulty relaxing or sleeping even when the baby sleeps are also signs that support may be needed. Trauma symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares or heightened startle responses can occur, particularly after frightening or emergency delivery experiences.”
Source: TikTok
Watch the TikTok video below:
Here’s what Mzansi said
Princessmlotshwa wrote:
“My mom used to leave for work and leave me with my daughter. Guys, tell me why I was craving to eat my baby. 🥺🥺 Sometimes I would decide to leave her alone and get some fresh air because I wanted to swallow her so bad. 🥺😳 I am glad I didn't allow it.”
M.xo wrote:
“This is scary because my wife told me after she gave birth to my son, she wanted to eat him, her teeth were always itching to bite him. I’d leave the house, and she’d call me immediately to come because the urge is back and strong.”
Zeyzey wrote:
“My memory has never been the same. 😫😫 I want to further my studies, but I fear my brain won't be able to do the things it needs to do for me to pass. 😫😫”
I really wrote:
“My wife is going through it… She is literally my other baby now.”
sino_amazingi wrote:
“31 and childfree, thank you for the motivation. ❤️”
MPHOZA wrote:
“I kinda lost my mind. I woke up one morning and didn't know who the child clinging to me was. I just looked at him and kept asking myself questions like, who is this baby and where is her mother? Why is it so attached to me? I regained my memory 4 days later. I questioned how I even got here, at home. My parents and siblings took care of my kids whilst they separated me from them. My mom said she was scared I would throw the baby away when he cried. I have never been so confused like that before. Thanks for sharing this.”
Lindos World wrote:
“I lost my mind after my second baby. Baby daddy said to me, ‘I’m going to send you to the psych ward, and you’ll never see these kids again.’ The only risky thing is being with a man that doesn't care for you deeply.”
MasegoL wrote:
“I think childbirth is one of the reasons why most women grow older faster than men. 😩”
Mamokgadi Mosa Ntladi wrote:
“What about forgetfulness? Yhoo, I can’t remember anything to save my life. 😭😭”
3 Other Briefly News stories about childbirth
- A woman in Limpopo gave birth to conjoined twins at the Mankweng Hospital near Polokwane, sparking reactions on social media.
- The Eastern Cape government has urged communities to report child sexual offences after shocking figures revealed that 117 children aged 10 to 14 gave birth in public hospitals.
- On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, Shebeshxt's partner of 13 years, Kholofelo Moloto, shared a playful clip on her TikTok, sparking speculation that she had welcomed her bundle of joy.
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Source: Briefly News
