Jen Affleck has revealed that she has experienced prenatal depression during her fourth pregnancy.
The reality star, who announced she was expecting again last month, said this time brought a much heavier form of depression than she had experienced in her previous pregnancies.
Fortunately, she received support from both loved ones and strangers, for which she says she is deeply grateful.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Jen revealed that she experienced prenatal depression during her fourth pregnancy, which she and her husband, Zac Affleck, announced just last month.
She said this episode felt much “heavier” than what she had experienced during her previous pregnancies, explaining that it took her to “really dark” places, particularly during her first trimester.
According to Jen, the experience was made even more difficult by her recent move to a new state while caring for her three other children. She went on to reveal that she was able to get through those difficult moments thanks to the support of her friends, family, and even strangers.
“They reminded me that even when I couldn’t see the light, I wasn’t walking through the darkness alone,” the reality star said.
Affleck Shares The Lessons Depression Has Taught Her
Elsewhere in her post, Jen detailed how experiencing prenatal depression affected her emotionally and mentally.
“I don’t believe depression is beautiful. It’s painful, confusing, and exhausting,” she said of her experience.
Still, amid the challenges, Jen said she is choosing to focus on the positive lessons she has learned while continuing to count her blessings, even on the more difficult days.
“It has made me ask deeper questions. It has made me slow down,” she revealed. “It has reminded me what really matters. It has taught me that strength sometimes looks like asking for help instead of pretending you’re okay.”
Jen Affleck Hopes Her Story Helps Others
Moving forward, Jen said she does not have all the answers when it comes to managing her depression, but she is choosing to focus on what she does know.
“I’m here to love deeply. To raise my babies. To tell the truth about the hard parts,” she revealed.
The expectant mother also shared her hope that telling her story will help others who may be going through similar struggles.
“If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then every vulnerable conversation has been worth it,” added the “Dancing With The Stars” alum. “If you’re quietly fighting a battle no one else can see, I’m so glad you’re still here.”
Fans Urge Affleck To Stop Having More Children
Reacting to Jen’s post, some social media users urged her to stop having more children, citing how she appears to struggle during pregnancy.
“Stop having kids.. I mean this in the most gentle way. Show up for yourself and the babies you have. If your husband can’t understand that you’re drowning in motherhood, then you need to reevaluate,” one person wrote.
“As a mom and child who had a mom who was emotionally unavailable for medical reasons. Please do not get pregnant again. Your kids will remember these times of you. Depressed, overwhelmed, unavailable,” another concerned fan commented.
“Birth control??? In the nicest way possible. We are grown women. We know what we are doing. You were very sad about the LAST pregnancy. Cmon,” a third user wrote.
Jen Affleck Has Always Wanted A Big Family
Jen’s fourth pregnancy comes as no surprise, as she has long spoken about her desire to have a big family.
The reality star shared that dream in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE while announcing her third pregnancy last year.
“Having been raised with numerous foster kids, I’ve always dreamed of a big family, and seeing that dream come true is both exciting and fulfilling,” she told the outlet.
At the time, she acknowledged that balancing motherhood with her career could be “daunting,” but hoped successfully managing both would inspire other women to pursue their own ambitions.
“I want to show women and mothers that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter how unrealistic it may seem,” she said.
