Adelaide Thunderbirds and Jamaica international player Shamera Sterling-Humphrey recently opened up about her battle with post-partum depression and how it has affected her return to netball. Sterling-Humphrey, who missed much of the 2025 season following the birth of her son Xaihire, returned to the Thunderbirds for the 2026 season. In an interview with Sky Sports Netball's Off the Court podcast, she candidly discussed the challenges she faced and the mental health struggles she endured.

Post-Partum Depression and Recovery

Sterling-Humphrey detailed the emotional and physical pain she experienced after giving birth. She described a lack of emotional response and deep sadness that she had never anticipated. "I wasn't happy. I wasn't like, I was just so sad, like no emotions, whatever," she said. "That is when I knew that something was wrong."

She sought help and eventually ended up on a mental health ward at the hospital. Sterling-Humphrey then spent time at Helen Mayo House, a facility that provides inpatient services for parents with significant mental health issues postnatally. There, she received the treatment she needed to start feeling better.

Return to Netball

Sterling-Humphrey, considered the top goalkeeper in netball when she stepped away in 2025, has been working on her recovery and return to the game. She has played a significant role for Jamaica since 2018, winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2023 Netball World Cup. Domestically, she returned to action in March but admits that her mental health journey continues to impact her game.

"I'm a bit better now but not where I wanted to be," she said. "I have my good days and I have my bad days, but I'm far from where I used to be."

COMMENT: Her story is a powerful reminder of the invisible battles athletes face. How do you think the sports community can better support athletes struggling with mental health?