Motherhood & Mental Health: Brittney Scott’s Journey of Depression During Pregnancy
Meet Brittney Scott
Brittney Scott is a licensed therapist, a dedicated military spouse, and a loving mother to one. Originally from San Antonio, TX, she now lives in California with her husband and daughter. Brittney specializes in helping women heal their mother wounds, guiding them toward becoming the mothers they aspire to be. Despite her expertise as a therapist, Brittney experienced depression during pregnancy—something she didn’t fully recognize until much later. Between vanishing twin syndrome and hyperemesis gravidarum, her focus remained on her physical health, unintentionally overlooking the severe depression she was battling. Looking back, she wishes she had sought mental health support sooner, recognizing how much it could have transformed her experience.
Brittney shares her powerful story with us today to help break the silence around perinatal depression and remind other mothers that they are not alone in their struggles.
Hear From Her:
What was your pregnancy and postpartum experience like overall? My pregnancy was... awful. I did not enjoy any of it. My postpartum period, however, was amazing. I felt so good that even the nurses at the hospital were shocked at how energetic I was immediately after birth. They actually told me to sit down because I was making them nervous with how much I was moving around!
Did you experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum, or both?I experienced depression during pregnancy, but not postpartum. I did have some anxiety after birth, mainly intrusive thoughts and fear of leaving my baby—even just to take a shower—but it passed fairly quickly.
When did you first realize something wasn’t right with your mental health? What were the first signs? I knew something was wrong when I started having thoughts of termination. My pregnancy was planned, and I even remember the exact day I conceived, but by week 10, everything shifted. I started fantasizing about abortion, even though I wanted my baby. These thoughts were intrusive, dark, and terrifying, and I knew this wasn’t normal for me.
How did it affect your daily life, relationships, or ability to care for yourself and your baby? I was miserable. I spent most of my time in bed, trying to find ways to get through the day. My husband felt helpless—he didn’t know how to support me, and honestly, I didn’t know what to ask for.
Did you feel supported by family, friends, or healthcare providers? Why or why not? Yes and no. My family and friends understood that hyperemesis made me physically sick, and they did everything they could to help me eat and feel comfortable. However, my first doctor dismissed me entirely. He insisted I wasn’t sick and refused to prescribe medication. At 20 weeks, I switched doctors, and my new provider was a lifesaver. He worked with a compounded pharmacy to find the right medication, which made a huge difference.
What challenges did you face in getting help? My biggest challenge was medical dismissal. My first doctor didn’t believe me, and it was difficult finding another provider who would take a high-risk patient at 20 weeks who wanted to deliver at a specific hospital. The process was terrifying, but in the end, it was worth it.
Did you seek professional help (therapy, medication, support groups), or did you find other ways to cope? No, I didn’t seek therapy during my pregnancy—and I regret it. I was too focused on trying to eat and survive that I didn’t recognize my depression until much later.
What helped you start feeling better and heal?
Medication – My doctor found a compounded gel medication that I applied to my wrist whenever I needed relief. Only one pharmacist in my city could make it, but it worked wonders.
My husband – He was my rock. He did anything and everything to make things easier for me.
Giving birth – The moment my daughter was born, it was like a dark cloud lifted. I felt light, hungry, and finally free from the nausea that had ruled my pregnancy.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about perinatal mental health before experiencing it? That depression during pregnancy is real. We talk so much about postpartum depression, but I had no idea I could be depressed while pregnant. I didn’t recognize the signs until I was already deep into it.
What advice would you give to another mom going through pregnancy or postpartum depression/anxiety? Talk to your doctor. Tell your family and friends—don’t keep it a secret. There is help if you speak up. You are the best mama for your baby, but you have to make sure you’re feeling your best or getting the right support.
How do you take care of your mental wellness today? I now go to therapy biweekly, and it has made a huge difference in my mental health.
If you could say one thing to a mom reading this who feels alone, what would it be?
You are not alone. The more we share our stories, the more we realize that the “alone” we feel is just an illusion. Pregnancy and motherhood aren’t always beautiful and easy, and we need to stop hiding the hard parts. You are not the only one struggling—and you don’t have to struggle in silence.
Connect With Brittney
Want to follow Brittney’s journey or learn more about her work as a therapist? You can find her on Instagram & Threads at @thebrittneyscott
You Are Not Alone – We’re Here to Help
At The Mama Wellness Foundation, we know how isolating pregnancy and postpartum depression can feel. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We provide:
Free therapy for postpartum mothers up to one year after birth.
Low-cost therapy ($50 max) for mothers beyond one year, no matter their insurance.
Case management services to help with Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefit applications.
Pregnancy & postpartum classes for education and support.
Monthly support groups (starting May 2025!).
Community events for mental wellness and self-care.
Free diapers & postpartum care kits for moms in need.
If you are in urgent need, please contact:
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline – 1-800-944-4773 (text: "Help" to 800-944-4773)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
You are not alone, and your mental health matters. Visit www.themamawellnessfoundation.org to learn more.