Bianca Gascoigne, former glamour model and reality TV personality, has recently opened up about her struggles with pre-natal depression during her pregnancy. Gascoigne, who gave birth to her son in May 2021, has revealed the extent of her mental health challenges, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of pre-natal depression. In this article, we take a closer look at Gascoigne’s experience and explore what pre-natal depression is, how it differs from postpartum depression, and what resources are available to those who may be struggling.
Bianca Gascoigne’s Revelations on Prenatal Depression
Bianca Gascoigne, daughter of football legend Paul Gascoigne and his ex-wife Sheryl, has recently announced the birth of her baby girl Blake Sunshine with partner Aaron Wright. However, prior to giving birth, she struggled with prenatal depression, sharing her struggle with her followers on her Instagram page. Bianca’s prenatal depression was so debilitating that she even wondered if she made a mistake having a child.
Through her Instagram post, Bianca shared her pregnancy journey, beginning with her announcement of welcoming her baby girl into this world. She shared how her life has changed since Blake’s arrival and how she now intends to have a second baby in the future. While basking in the joy of motherhood, Bianca candidly admits to the feelings of depression and uncertainty during her pregnancy.
Bianca’s experience is unique to her, but not uncommon. Antenatal depression, also known as prenatal depression, affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, according to The Royal College of Psychiatrists. Antenatal depression is different from postnatal depression, which can occur after giving birth.
Symptoms of antenatal depression can vary from person to person, but some of the signs include feeling sad and tearful most of the time, getting irritable and angry quickly, a loss of interest in regular activities, negative thoughts, and feelings of guilt and hopelessness. As these symptoms are also common in regular pregnancy, it is often hard for pregnant women to identify if they are experiencing antenatal depression.
Sharing her struggles, Bianca wrote, “I felt so disconnected and so down right up ’til delivery.” She expressed shame about her feelings and connected with other mums, encouraging them to open up about their similar experiences.
Bianca further shared that the thought of holding her gorgeous bundle of joy helped her pull through the depression. As she gazed into her daughter’s eyes, she knew she had made the right choice.
Antenatal depression can occur due to several reasons, including hormonal changes, genetics, and personal issues, such as money concerns or a lack of support from family and friends.
Bianca’s experience with antenatal depression demonstrates the importance of seeking support from friends, family, and professionals. Mental health services offer support and treatment to women who are struggling with mental health concerns during pregnancy. While medication may be an option for some, talking therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), have been shown to be effective in managing antenatal depression.
In her Instagram post, Bianca urged other expectant mums to seek help if they are struggling with depression, saying, “you are not alone.” Her post emphasises the importance of prioritising mental health, and highlights how talking about our struggles can bring hope, healing, and support.
Bianca’s story shows that it’s okay to seek support, that struggling with antenatal depression is not uncommon, and that there is hope beyond the depression. It also highlights the importance of lifting the stigma surrounding antenatal depression and other mental health challenges during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to seek support, speak up, and remember that it’s ok to ask for help.
Bianca Gascoigne’s bravery in speaking out about her struggles with pre-natal depression is an important reminder that mental health can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or perceived strength. By sharing her story, she has helped to break down stigma and open up a conversation around a topic that is often shrouded in secrecy. We can only hope that her honesty will encourage many others to seek help and support during what can be a difficult and isolating time. Our thoughts are with Bianca and her family as they navigate this challenging period, and we applaud her for using her platform to raise awareness and reduce the shame surrounding mental health issues.
