It can be hard enough to share that you’re struggling with depression, but experiencing it postpartum adds another layer. What does it say about you when you cry just as much as your baby in the next room? (For one, that you’re normal. More than 600,000 women each year experience symptoms.)
“I don’t have anything beautiful to say. Except that the struggle is real.”
Though many keep their pain hidden, Jena Malone is choosing to share her struggle and help others in the process (joining a long list of famous women ushering in a new era of mental health authenticity). The Hunger Games and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice actress posted a blurry photo of herself and her three-month-old son, captioning the photo: “Motherhood, depression, and self-worth. I don’t have anything beautiful to say. Except that the struggle is real. The sharp edges are too much to hold without compassion. I’m struggling with this. Compassion for myself and this moment of growth in my life. I know I am not alone in this. I guess I just needed to share, in hopes of being seen and feeling not so very much alone.”
Clearly her words are resonating. Not only has the photo racked up more than 10,000 double-taps, people are using it as an opportunity to share their own struggles with PPD. With one post, Malone has reminded others with similar struggles that they are not alone. And that’s something worth acknowledging.
Adele also experienced postpartum depression. Read about her experience here. Plus, should you hire a “vaginapractor” after giving birth?
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