Depression During Pregnancy: Understanding Antepartum Depression and Its Impact

When people talk about maternal mental health, postpartum depression often gets the spotlight. But what about the depression that begins during pregnancy?

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Isabelle shares her experience with antepartum depression — the deep sadness, hopelessness, and stigma she felt while expecting both of her children. She describes how little people talk about depression during pregnancy, why the shame is so heavy, and how her ongoing recovery looks years later.

With honesty, reflection, and a dose of Buddhist wisdom, Isabelle opens up about coping strategies, managing depression like a chronic condition, and how friends and community support can help lighten the weight. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression during pregnancy, this story reminds you that you are not alone — and healing is possible.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What antepartum depression is and why it’s rarely discussed
• Isabelle’s experience of depression during both pregnancies
• The difference between postpartum and antepartum depression
• The stigma of being depressed during pregnancy
• How hormones, fear, and expectations contribute to maternal depression
• Depression as a lifelong condition to be managed
• Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support, and community
• The role of perspective: learning to say “this will pass”
• Why hearing other people’s stories can make depression less isolating

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Maternal Mental Health Month  
01:31 – What is antepartum depression?  
02:07 – Isabelle shares her story of depression during pregnancy  
02:30 – The stigma of saying “I’m depressed while pregnant”  
02:48 – Why maternal depression is rarely discussed  
03:32 – Hormones, fear, and the reality of pregnancy  
04:13 – Postpartum depression after her first child  
04:22 – A different experience during second pregnancy  
04:57 – Depression as a managed, chronic condition  
05:21 – Coping strategies: therapy, exercise, childcare support  
05:33 – How depression distorts reality and emotions  
06:10 – Learning to recognize “bad days” as temporary  
06:57 – The power of hearing others’ stories  
07:46 – Accepting the full spectrum of emotions  
07:56 – Buddhist practice: sitting with depression until it passes  
08:32 – Writing letters to yourself during good times  
09:48 – Giving voice to depression as a way of separating from it  
10:22 – How pregnancy reshapes identity and mental health  
10:53 – Closing reflections on maternal depression and hope  

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