I Thought It Was Just the January Blues, But It’s Actually Prenatal Depression
I kept telling myself it was just winter getting to me. Short days, dark mornings, the post-holiday slump - everyone feels a bit low in January, right?
But the heaviness I felt wasn’t fading. It wasn’t just a bad week or a seasonal dip. It was waking up with dread for no clear reason. Crying over things that wouldn’t normally touch me. Feeling disconnected from the excitement I thought pregnancy was supposed to bring.
And the scariest part? I didn’t realise any of this counted as prenatal depression.
When It’s More Than “Just January”
People talk so much about postpartum depression that prenatal depression can feel almost invisible.
It hides behind common pregnancy symptoms - exhaustion, nausea, hormonal shifts - so you can convince yourself it’s normal. And in winter, it gets even easier to miss. You’re indoors more. You’re isolated more. Your body’s already doing so much, and the darker days amplify everything you’re carrying.
But feeling persistently low, hopeless, detached, overwhelmed, or anxious during pregnancy isn’t something you have to “push through.” It’s a sign you deserve support. Real support.
The Shame That No One Talks About
What made it worse was the guilt.
I felt like I should be grateful, like I should be glowing, like I should be soaking up every moment.
Instead, I felt like I was failing before the baby was even here.
And that shame keeps so many of us quiet. We minimise. We mask. We tell ourselves that it will pass, or that we shouldn’t make a fuss.
But struggling in pregnancy doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you human.
Talking to a Professional Matters
It took me time to understand that prenatal depression is an actual medical condition - not a personality flaw, not a weakness, not a failure.
Speaking to a midwife, GP, or mental health professional can make a real difference.
They can help you understand what’s happening, validate what you’re feeling, and offer practical support that’s tailored to pregnancy.
You don’t need to wait until you’re falling apart. You’re allowed to ask for help early.
Tools That Can Support Your Mental Wellbeing
Alongside professional support, having small, grounding tools day-to-day can help you understand your feelings and spot patterns.
Pregnancy-focused tools - like mood tracking, journaling spaces, gentle meditations, affirmations, and evidence-based articles or audio - can make it easier to reflect on what you’re experiencing without spiralling.
They’re not a replacement for professional care, but they can offer comfort, clarity, and moments of calm during a season that otherwise feels overwhelming.
Find pregnancy-focused tools in Carea, click here to download the app
If You Think It Might Be More Than the Winter Blues
Please don’t dismiss what you’re feeling.
Don’t brush it off as “just hormones” or “just January.”
Your mental health deserves the same protection, care, and attention as your physical health in pregnancy.
And if any part of this feels familiar, you’re not alone.
Prenatal depression is more common than anyone tells us, and you deserve support without having to wait until things get unbearable.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between normal winter low mood and prenatal depression?
Winter sadness or “January blues” usually comes and goes and is linked to weather, reduced sunlight, or post-holiday fatigue. Prenatal depression is more persistent and affects your emotions, thoughts, energy, motivation, and ability to function day-to-day. If the low mood lasts more than two weeks or feels heavy and overwhelming, it may be prenatal depression.
2. Why is prenatal depression more common in winter?
Shorter days, colder weather, reduced sunlight, and less social connection can intensify existing pregnancy-related anxiety or fatigue. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also make mood dips feel heavier during winter months.
3. When should I seek professional help?
If you’re feeling persistently sad, hopeless, disconnected from your pregnancy, overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to manage daily life, it’s important to reach out to your midwife, GP, or mental health professional. Prenatal depression is highly treatable, and early support makes a big difference.
4. Can tracking symptoms and routines help me understand my mood?
Yes. Journaling how you feel, noting sleep patterns, tracking symptoms, and reflecting on emotional changes can help you recognise patterns and know when to reach out for support. Many pregnancy wellbeing tools and apps also offer meditations, affirmations, educational resources, and trackers to help you notice what’s changing over time.
5. Are there small things that can help day-to-day?
Gentle movement, going outside for even a few minutes, connecting with someone you trust, eating regularly, using calming meditations, and practicing grounding exercises can all support your daily emotional wellbeing. These don’t replace professional care, but they can help you cope while you seek support.
