Shay Mitchell Went Through a ‘Severe Depression’ Ahead of Pregnancy News: ‘I Was Extremely Lonely’

Bravery at its finest. Shay Mitchell, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Matte Babel, recently admitted that she suffered from a “severe depression” ahead of announcing her pregnancy in July.

“I previously had a miscarriage and that experience gave me anxiety about sharing the news of this pregnancy with anyone outside of our parents,” the longtime actress, 32, explained to popular pregnancy blog Hatch. 

“With the first pregnancy, I was elated and told everyone at eight weeks. However, I wanted to be sure that this second pregnancy would be viable before shouting it from the rooftops, so I hid it for nearly six months and became very anti-social,” Shay continued. “Usually, I’m incredibly active and outgoing, but instead, I mainly stayed home to avoid stares and questions. I was extremely lonely.”

Of course, Shay’s changing body made her secret more and more difficult to keep. “On top of that, I was gaining weight without having a noticeable bump. I became paranoid that my team was giving me the side-eye — not knowing I was pregnant — and thinking I should hit the gym … which added to my loneliness,” she said.

“I think it’s really interesting that prepartum depression or feelings of isolation in pregnancy are not more vastly discussed — feeling that I was alone in my depression compounded my state of mind, but [I] have found since sharing the news publicly that many women feel as I did,” Shay added. “Pregnancy can be a hard time, especially if you’re having to hide it. After I came out publicly, I felt an enormous wave of relief and was finally able to start enjoying the pregnancy.”

As for Shay’s current condition? The mama-to-be couldn’t be better! “I have been super lucky in that I didn’t have a lot of the typical pregnancy symptoms — outside of my mental struggles — such as morning sickness or wild cravings,” the former Pretty Little Liars star revealed. “I know some women that are reading this who did have intense nausea or physical symptoms will be like, “Wow, F you,” but that’s the way it has been for me. Physically, I have been very fortunate.”

As always, we appreciate Shay’s willingness to share her truth with the world. Keep thriving, girl. We can’t wait to meet your beautiful daughter next month.

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