Understanding Postpartum and Prenatal Depression: Why We Must Do Better

I don’t usually get too caught up in pop culture, especially when it comes to celebrity gossip. But today, I had to block and remove several people from my social media platforms.

Not because I was mad. Honestly, I wasn’t.

It was because it became painfully clear that many people do not know what postpartum depression (PPD) or prenatal depression even are. And their ignorance is not just frustrating — it’s dangerous.

Recently, comments surrounding postpartum depression and Halle Bailey have been circulating across social media.

Reading some of those comments has been downright disgusting and horrible.

When we speak casually, flippantly, or cruelly about mothers navigating these struggles, we contribute to a cycle of stigma and shame that keeps them suffering in silence.

It’s sickening to see it happen — especially so publicly.

As someone who has personally experienced prenatal depression, I want to take this moment to educate, clarify, and advocate. Because while ignorance can be addressed with information and compassion, cruelty is always a choice — and too many are choosing cruelty.

What Is Prenatal Depression?

By definition, Prenatal depression is a form of clinical depression that occurs during pregnancy.

It is not simply “being moody” or “having a bad day.” It is a serious mental health condition marked by symptoms such as:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Anxiety and excessive worry (often about the baby or parenting)

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Changes in appetite

• Difficulty bonding with the baby during pregnancy

• Feeling disconnected, numb, or like you’re going through the motions

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Many assume pregnancy is a purely joyful time. But for some, it is incredibly complex — filled with hormonal shifts, fears, and physical/emotional strain.

1 in 7 pregnant women experiences prenatal depression.
Yet very few feel safe to talk about it, especially when faced with judgment.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth — and again, it is not simply “baby blues” or feeling tired.

The “baby blues” are short-term, affecting up to 80% of new mothers for a few weeks.
Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can last for months or longer, and requires treatment and support.

Symptoms can include:

• Overwhelming sadness or crying spells

• Irritability or anger

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Feeling like a failure as a parent

• Intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or the baby

1 in 8 mothers experiences postpartum depression.
And it can happen after any pregnancy — whether it’s your first child or your fifth.

When I saw comments dismissing or ridiculing people who are open about their experiences with PPD or prenatal depression, it broke my heart.

This is why many suffer in silence. This is why so many mothers feel alone, ashamed, or unworthy of seeking help.

Calling it “attention-seeking,” saying “you wanted to be a mom, deal with it,” or mocking someone’s struggle shows a deep lack of empathy and understanding.

It’s also deadly — maternal suicide is a leading cause of death in the postpartum period.
Let me say that again: maternal suicide is a leading cause of death in the postpartum period.

We cannot afford to stay ignorant.

As a mother, as someone who champions mental health, and as someone who has seen far too many mothers suffer in silence — I can’t stay quiet about this.

I will always block and remove those who choose ignorance and cruelty over compassion.
But I will also continue to speak up and educate — because our mothers, our families, and our communities deserve better.

What You Can Do

• Educate yourself. If you don’t understand PPD or prenatal depression, learn about them. Don’t speak on what you don’t know.

• Listen with empathy. If someone tells you they’re struggling, believe them.

• Stop the stigma. Don’t mock or shame people for mental health struggles. You could save a life with your compassion.

• Advocate for better care. Support maternal mental health programs and policies. We need more resources and less judgment.

I’m not mad.
I’m tired of ignorance.
And I’m committed to doing my part to change the conversation.

To every mother who is struggling: you are not alone.
To every person who still doesn’t understand: please learn — before your words do harm.