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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck opened up about experiencing prenatal depression while expecting her fourth child with husband Zac Affleck.
“Prenatal depression came back this pregnancy. Only this time, it came back even heavier,” Jen, 27, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 23. “There were many days during my first trimester where my mind went to some really dark places. It scared me. And if you’ve ever experienced depression, you know how isolating it can feel. Add moving to a new state, being pregnant, and trying to show up for your kids, and some days felt impossible.”
Jen, who previously lived in Utah and relocated to California in April, shared that “people showed up” for her during the hard time.
“Friends, family, strangers… people who had no idea how much they were carrying me just by being there,” she wrote. “They reminded me that even when I couldn’t see the light, I wasn’t walking through the darkness alone.”
Jen added that she’s “trying to count her blessings” while going through depression. “I don’t believe depression is beautiful. It’s painful, confusing, and exhausting. But I do believe God can bring beauty from it,” she explained. “It has made me ask deeper questions. It has made me slow down. It has reminded me what really matters. It has taught me that strength sometimes looks like asking for help instead of pretending you’re OK.”
She continued that she’s “here to love deeply” and raise her children. “And if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then every vulnerable conversation has been worth it,” she noted. If you’re quietly fighting a battle no one else can see, I’m so glad you’re still here. 🤍.”
This isn’t the first time Jen has been candid about experiencing mental health issues. In October 2025, she opened up to People about going through prenatal and postpartum depression.
“I would tell that version of myself that it gets better and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just keep holding on,” she said. “Everything will work out, and clearly it did because here I am on Dancing with the Stars.” (Jen and pro partner Jan Ravnik finished in ninth place on season 34 of the show.)
Jen announced via Instagram on June 18 that she’s expecting her fourth child. “Chapter Four. 🤍,” she captioned a number of photos of her baby bump.
The Afflecks already share daughter Nora, 4, son Luca, who turns 2 next week, and daughter Penelope, 12 months.
