Zimkhitha

25 July 2023

The Mommy Club S1: Ratile shares her depression experience

Self-care means different things to different people. While for some it’s about going to the spa for a pamper session, for others, it means taking care of your mental wellbeing. This is what viewers got to see and understand on the latest episode of Showmax Original reality show The Mommy Club.

In episode 5, the ladies had one of their bonding sessions, this time hosted by Ratile. The intention, as with their other get-togethers, was to get to know each other a little better. While the yummy mommies were enjoying their food and having casual conversations, Ms Manche asked a very important question: “How do you guys do the self-care? How do you handle all of everything and still be fabulous?”

Watch The Mommy Club teasers online

The ladies get candid

Mrs Mops was the first to answer and jokingly told her co-stars: “I just drink myself to sleep.” She then asked Ms Manche how she does it. The mother of three replied: “How I do it is, pick up when I’m starting to feel annoyed. Feeling like ‘ugh, I’m dragging the day’ or when the babies wake me up and I’m like ‘oh no’, you know? Then I know.”

This session also gave Ratile a chance to open up about her struggles with mental health. She shared with the ladies: “You know most times I’m depressed, and I’ve been on medication for some time. But over time I obviously got weaned off the medication, but every time I’m not coping my psychiatrist will always say to me ‘get back on the meds’,” Ratile said.

It’s not all glitz and glam

Ms Manche was pleased with how the conversation turned out as she feels it’s important to speak about depression. “People shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it. People should see that you can be glitz and glam, and you can go through depression, you can feel thoughts that maybe you can’t understand.” She added that people need to seek help.

She also encouraged more open conversations about mental health, especially in spaces occupied by women. “We must be able to speak freely in spaces like this if we’re saying, ‘okay, we’re women, we’re going to be there for each other, we’re developing friendships.’ I love that,” Ms Manche said.

Watch new episodes of The Mommy Club every Tuesday on Showmax.

More addictive reality series to stream online »

Watch it now

More like this

Reality Reality series Series

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced

Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Made in South Africa

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay on Showmax

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First

The ‘Burbs S1

In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.

First

“You don't create something so powerful purely through military tactics” - Shaka iLembe co-creator

Shaka iLembe co-creator Desireé Markgraaff reflects on the vision, research, and importance of telling our stories. Stream Seasons 1–2 on Showmax.

South Africa

Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax

From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax. Binge now on Showmax.

South Africa

MaBlerh as the host ofThe Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 reunion on Showmax

MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion

MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.

Original South Africa

Shaka iLembe S1-2

Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.

Made in South Africa

The Mommy Club: Parenting styles

The Mommy Club: Friends or foes

More reality? Try The Real Housewives of Durban

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S15 on Showmax

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!

Original

Jojo Robinson on The Real Housewives of Durban S5 on Showmax

Jojo dishes on her Real Housewives of Durban journey

Now that Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban has come to an end, Jojo opens up about her relationship with Nonku, and which cosmetic procedure is most like RHOD.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Real Housewives of Durban S4 on Showmax

Londie London on RHOD: "There's genuine history and love there"

Now that both parts of The Real Housewives of Durban reunion have dropped, Londie London opens up about her journey, and the support she's received from fans. All episodes are available to binge on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa