Lauren Dickason’s family: “This was not our daughter but a mental illness…”
The Dickason family encourages people to be more aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression…
Lauren Dickason’s family has issued a statement blaming postpartum depression and mental illness for the tragic murders of her three daughters, for which Lauren was today found guilty in a New Zealand court. As reported earlier by SAPeople, Lauren was found guilty of murdering Lianè (6), and twins Karla and Maya (2) two years ago while her husband was at a dinner with colleagues, shortly after the family emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand.
Following the verdict at Christchurch High Court, attended by Lauren’s mom and dad – Wendy and Malcolm Fawkes, the family issued the following statement:
““”Post-partum depression is a terrible thing, as has been shown by what happened to our family on 16 September 2021. This was not our daughter, but a debilitating mental illness which resulted in an awful tragedy, the details of which you are by now well aware.”
The statement said the children were “taken from this life to another as a result of this crippling disease”, and that “we would like to thank the people of New Zealand, South Africa and from around the world who have been so understanding of the effects of postpartum depression and mental illness, and who have given us incredible support – the New Zealand Government agencies who have interacted with our family have reached out to us in a most generous and compassionate way. We thank the good people of New Zealand for that.”
Pointing out that there are “no winners in this tragedy”, the family said: “We would like to encourage families and individuals around the world to be aware of the symptoms of post-partum depression as early as possible, both for yourselves as well as close family and friends around you.”
Offering some hope, they said: “If treated early and managed correctly, people can experience a full recovery. The person experiencing depression and those closest to them may not be able to recognise the signs or how serious postpartum depression can become.”
If you or anyone you know is depressed, please contact SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837. Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567.