This study explores the perceptions and experiences of women regarding maternal depression, the response posited by these women and their families towards the label of being “maternally depressed,” and the health seeking behaviours adopted by these women in order to cope with the illness. It documents the lay interpretations of the community women that have been diagnosed using Leventhal’s Common Sense Model of Illness, and also argues that the sociocultural lens of patients plays a significant role in the perception and expression of their experiences regarding the illness as well as their health care seeking behaviour. This study was conducted in a primary and a secondary health facility of district Rawalpindi. The study sample comprises of women diagnosed with maternal depression (n=12) that have been registered in the respective health facilities, their potential family members (n=3), the LHVs that have taken a part in the registration of the women (n=3), and the physicians that have dealt with patients of maternal depression (n=3). This study is the first of its kind in Pakistan with the application of Leventhal’s Common Sense Model of Illness, and can be extended at a broader level in order to understand the lay interpretations and illness perspectives of the mothers struggling with maternal depression in order to address their needs by drafting tailor-made policies and mechanisms for prevention and treatment of maternal depression. Supervisor:- Dr. Rizwan ul Haq Co-Supervisor:- Fahd Zulfiqar