Kayla Ponting

My PNDA experience.

After the birth of my two beautiful girls, I expected to feel instant connection, overwhelming love, and pure happiness, the way new motherhood is often described. Instead, I found myself struggling with PNDA (postnatal depression and anxiety). I didn’t bond straight away. I felt numb, overwhelmed, guilty, and ashamed that my experience didn’t match the picture I had in my head. I told myself I was just tired and would “snap out of it.” I realised this was something real and something many parents go through but don’t always talk about. Loving your children and struggling at the same time can both be true. But when you’re in it, it can feel incredibly isolating.

PNDA doesn’t just affect the parent, it affects families, relationships, and early connection. Support, early intervention, and education make a huge difference, yet many parents don’t reach out because of stigma or fear of judgment. I know I hesitated.

I’m sharing my story now because I want to help change that silence.

I’m raising money to support PNDA awareness, support services, and resources for parents who are in that dark, confusing place, the place where you wonder why you don’t feel the way you’re “supposed” to feel. The place where you need help but don’t know how to ask.

If you’re able to donate, share this page, or talk about PNDA with someone, you’re helping more than you realise. You’re helping a parent feel less alone. You’re helping a family get support sooner. You’re helping turn shame into conversation and struggle into recovery.

Thank you for your support 💛