Postpartum depression (PPD) is not uncommon and can affect any new mother, whether or not they have ever experienced any mental health issues before, and yet it is still something we don’t talk about enough. Not talking about it does nothing to help destigmatize or normalize it, which means many moms suffer in silence and shame. That’s why it really is a form of public service when a celebrity uses their visibility to spread awareness by talking about their own experiences with PPD.
More from MamásLatinas: Latino celebrities who have talked about their mental health
Postpartum depression and anxiety affect 10% to 20% of new mothers in the United States, and one study found that Latinas are 37% more likely than non-Latinas to suffer from postpartum depression. And no, postpartum depression is not the same as the “baby blues.” These terms are often used interchangeably, but while the baby blues last around two weeks, PPD lasts much longer and is more severe. The good news is that PPD can be treated. If you suspect that you have PPD, please reach out to your medical provider—and know that you are not alone.
Hopefully, knowing that the following celebrities, including Serena Williams, Rosie Rivera, and Aislinn Derbez, have shared their experiences with PPD will help non-celeb moms get help when needed.
Serena Williams prefers the term ‘postpartum emotions.’
Serena shared on the Mamamia No Filter podcast why she chooses to use the term “emotions” rather than depression. “I felt like it was really important to talk about because a lot of people feel like the word 'depression' is bad, and just because you’re going through things doesn’t necessarily mean it’s depression,” she explained.
Marjorie de Sousa went through tough times after the birth of son Matías in 2017.
The Venezuelan actress confessed that it got so bad that she locked herself up at home for 10 days. It didn't help that her relationship with the actor Julián Gil ended. Fortunately, Marjorie pulled through the bad times.
Aislinn Derbez wants to normalize the condition.
"It's completely overwhelming and drives you crazy. Few people understand it and especially the people around you do not understand what is happening and think that you are going crazy. Everyone says 'ah you have postpartum depression' and no, it's very different. It's something that should be more normalized," the actress recounted on the El Gordo y La Flaca program in October 2019.
Alessandra Rosaldo sought professional help.
In the same interview that Aislinn Derbez was on, Eugenio Derbez's wife revealed that she also went through postpartum depression after giving birth to their daughter, Aitana. In her case, she sought help from a professional.
Adele knows what it’s like to have PPD.
Adele had her son, Angelo, in 2012, and her experience with PPD left her too scared to consider having a second child. “I had really bad postpartum depression after I had my son, and it frightened me,” she told Vanity Fair in 2016.
Rosie Rivera couldn't avoid PPD, even after drinking a placenta smoothie.
Rosie had PPD after the birth of her first child. She shared her experience with us at MamásLatinas as a way to let others know they are not alone and that they can get through it. It really does help to know that PPD is not rare and definitely not shameful.
Cardi B experienced PPD after the birth of daughter Kulture in 2018.
“I thought I was going to avoid it,” Cardi told Harper’s Bazaar in 2019. “When I gave birth, the doctor told me about postpartum, and I was like, ‘Well, I’m doing good right now, I don’t think that’s going to happen.’ But out of nowhere, the world was heavy on my shoulders.”
Chrissy Teigen penned a personal essay for Glamour that addressed her battle with postpartum depression.
"I couldn’t figure out why I was so unhappy. I blamed it on being tired and possibly growing out of the role: 'Maybe I’m just not a goofy person anymore. Maybe I’m just supposed to be a mom,'" she reflected after giving birth to baby Luna in 2016. Chrissy also admitted that she sought professional help and got plenty of support from husband John Legend.
Galilea Montijo struggled after welcoming son Mateo in 2012.
Ten years after the birth of son Mateo in 2012, the host shared on Netas Divinas that she'd suffered from PPD. She also opened up about seeking help from doctors and taking medication to help her feel better.
Britney Spears shared that she experienced perinatal depression.
"… it’s hard because when I was pregnant I had perinatal depression … I have to say it is absolutely horrible … women didn’t talk about it back then … some people considered it dangerous if a woman complained like that with a baby inside her … but now women talk about it everyday … thank Jesus we don’t have to keep that pain a reserved proper secret," Britney posted via Instagram in April 2022. Perinatal depression starts during pregnancy, whereas postpartum depression begins after pregnancy.
Jacky Bracamontes went through a very difficult period.
The former beauty queen was pregnant with twins in 2013; sadly, her baby boy died while still in her womb. The following year, she gave birth to Carolina, and on June 29, 2014, she tweeted, "Postpartum depression."
Hayden Panettiere has been very open about going for PPD treatment after giving birth to daughter Kaya in 2014.
"I can very much relate. It's something a lot of women experience. When [you’re told] about postpartum depression you think it’s 'I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child.' I’ve never, ever had those feelings," she revealed on Live With Kelly and Michael in 2015.
Paulina Rubio reportedly suffered from postpartum depression.
After giving birth to her son Andrea Nicolás in 2010, it was reported that the Mexican singer battled PPD. She now has a second son, Eros, with partner Gerardo Bazúa.
Gwyneth Paltrow didn't realize she had PPD after giving birth to son Moses in 2006.
“It was really shocking to me because I never thought that I would be a person who got postnatal depression,” Gwyneth said during an episode of the Goop podcast. “I was so euphoric when Apple was born, and I assumed it would happen with Mosey and it just…it took a while. I really went into a dark place.”
Kendra Wilkinson opened up about her depression back in 2011.
“I felt like I was in a black hole. I had so much anger inside. I'd lock myself in my closet to cry and scream," she told In Touch Weekly. She experienced extreme mood swings that affected her marriage to the point where she and her husband were sleeping in different rooms.
Lisa Rinna opened up about her battle with PPD while on HLN's 'Dr. Drew' show in 2012.
"After having my first daughter Delilah, I had severe postpartum depression," she said. "I kept it a secret. I didn't say a word to anybody in the world. [My husband] thought I was just nuts. He had no idea what was going on and I was so hopeless and felt so lost.”
Courteney Cox revealed that she had a hard time back when her daughter Coco was 6 months old.
"I couldn’t sleep. My heart was racing. And I got really depressed. I went to the doctor and found out my hormones had been pummeled," she told USA Today in 2005. She has gone on to speak about her experience on other platforms as well.
Brooke Shields published 'Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression' in 2005.
"I couldn’t hold her and I couldn’t sing to her and I couldn’t smile at her…All I wanted to do was disappear and die," the mother of two told People. This happened after the birth of her first daughter, Rowan, in 2003.
Angelina Jolie may have been more private about her battle with PPD.
But it has been reported that she suffered from the condition after having twins Vivienne and Knox in 2008. Glamour published an article praising Angelina for going about her business despite reports of her having PPD.
Vanessa Lachey and husband Nick have 3 beautiful children named Camden, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.
When she gave birth to her first child, Vanessa revealed that she suffered from PPD in a blog post. "I started crying. I was feeding Camden and crying my eyes out. I felt like I had officially come undone," she shared.
