Depression During Pregnancy: Isabelle’s Honest Journey Through Stigma and Healing

We often hear about postpartum depression, but what about antepartum depression—the depression that strikes during pregnancy? In this powerful episode, Isabelle shares her deeply personal experience with depression while expecting her child, a reality many mothers face but few feel safe to discuss.

Isabelle talks about the heavy stigma surrounding maternal mental health, the guilt of not feeling “glowing” during pregnancy, and the fear of being judged as a bad mother before her child was even born. She also discusses the importance of open conversations, supportive care, and the steps she took to find strength and healing.

This episode is a raw and compassionate look at what it means to live with depression during pregnancy—and a reminder that maternal mental health deserves to be spoken about without shame.

Primary Topics Covered:

• What antepartum depression is and how it differs from postpartum depression
• Isabelle’s personal story of depression during pregnancy
• The stigma around maternal mental health struggles
• How guilt and shame affect expectant mothers
• Coping strategies and support during antepartum depression
• Why honesty and vulnerability are essential for breaking stigma
• Resources and reminders that depression during pregnancy is treatable
• The importance of compassionate support for mothers-to-be

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction to antepartum depression
 00:40 Isabelle shares her experience of depression during pregnancy
 01:20 The stigma of not feeling “glowing” as an expectant mother
 02:05 Guilt and shame tied to maternal mental health struggles
 03:15 Coping with depression while pregnant
 04:10 Why open conversations about antepartum depression matter
 05:00 The role of stigma in silencing mothers’ experiences
 06:00 Isabelle’s path toward support and healing
 07:10 Closing reflections on breaking stigma and offering compassion

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