Prepartum Depression: Why Doesn’t Anyone Talk About It?

Pregnancy is often painted as a time of joy and excitement, but for many women, it can also bring unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. Prepartum depression is a quiet struggle that affects thousands of expecting mothers, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and overlooked parts of the pregnancy journey. 

In this post, we’re opening up a gentle conversation about what prepartum depression looks like, why it matters, and how you can find support if you need it.

What Is Prepartum Depression?

Prepartum depression is a type of clinical depression that occurs during pregnancy. It can begin at any stage, whether early on or closer to birth. Unlike the natural ups and downs that often come with hormonal changes, prepartum depression is more persistent and can deeply impact your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and overall connection to the pregnancy.

Some women feel an overwhelming sense of sadness, anxiety, or irritability. Others describe feeling numb or disconnected from the experience altogether. It’s not about being ungrateful or failing at pregnancy, it’s about your body and mind trying to cope with massive change. And it’s more common than most people realize.

Speaking firsthand, I felt like a wilted flower. I felt like I should be happy but I just wasn't. I felt unwrothy. I had these huge emotions that I didn't know what to do with or how to control them. I also had no idea I was experiencing prepartum depression until the last month of my pregnancy. Did my provider ask about my mental health often? Of course, but I didn't tell them the extent of what I was feeling because I was afraid of sounding crazy or ungrateful. How could I be complaing about this while so many people in my life struggled to get pregnant? 

Why Is It So Rarely Mentioned?

One reason is that pregnancy is so often portrayed as a time of happiness and gratitude. There is an unspoken pressure to be glowing and excited. When that isn't the reality, many women feel isolated and even ashamed. They may stay silent out of fear of judgment or of being seen as lacking appreciation. 

There is also a tendency to chalk symptoms up to hormones or stress. Because pregnancy already brings fatigue, sleep changes, and emotional shifts, prepartum depression can be hard to recognize for what it really is.

I had always heard about postpartum depression, but never prepartum. For a long time, I assumed the way I was feeling was simply part of pregnancy.

How Common Is Prepartum Depression?

Studies show that around one in seven women experience depression during pregnancy. That is a significant number, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated. When something so real affects so many, it deserves more space in the conversation.

What Does It Feel Like?

For some women, prepartum depression feels like a quiet heaviness that follows them throughout the day. Others feel emotionally flat or overwhelmed by tasks that once felt simple. There may be tears, irritability, trouble focusing, or a sense of guilt for not feeling more joyful.

Because the symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy discomforts, it is easy to second guess yourself. But if the emotional weight does not lift or if you are struggling to function, it's time to reach out.

I wish I had reached out sooner. Looking back, I’ve blocked much of that time out, and while I’m still unsure if I want to have more children because of those feelings, part of me wishes I had been able to hold onto even a few small moments of joy in the journey.

Why This Conversation Matters

Talking about prepartum depression helps remove the shame that often surrounds it. It reminds women that their emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. It allows us to see the full picture of motherhood and creates space for real connection and real care.

Pregnancy is not only about celebration. It is also a time of major transformation. It is okay to feel vulnerable in the middle of it. You can love your baby deeply and still feel like you are struggling. Both things can be true.

What to Do If You Are Struggling

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, please talk to your doctor, midwife, or a trusted care provider. You are not meant to carry this alone. There are safe, supportive options available including therapy, community support, and small shifts that can make a meaningful difference.

You don't have to wait until after birth to seek help. You deserve care now.

Here is a source that I wish I knew about when I was struggling: Maternal Mental Health Hotline 

You Are Not Alone

Prepartum depression is real, and it is more common than most people realize. The more we speak about it openly, the more we build a culture that supports women in every season of motherhood, not just the highlight reel moments.

You are not alone in this. You are already showing incredible strength by simply being here and seeking answers.

Get the help you need. I promise, it does get better.