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Nashville actress, Hayden Panettiere has shared her insight into her battle with postpartum depression, saying that those who tell women with the condition to ‘suck it up’ need their ‘head examined.’

The 26-year-old, who gave birth to her daughter Kaya in December 2014, checked into a rehabilitation centre in October of last year to receive treatment for postpartum depression.

In an recent interview with Yahoo Style, Hayden said that it was one of the scariest times of her life and anyone who thinks women should just get on with it, needs to get their “head examined.”

“It’s like, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Hayden said of people who question the existence of postpartum depression. “If you think for one second that a mother wants to feel that way toward her child, you’re outta your mind. It is one of the most debilitating, scary, guilty feelings that you can ever feel.

“That a mother would not be able to connect with their child, would not be able to get a grip, or would not know what’s going on, for anybody to say that it’s false or created by us, you must have your head examined.”

Hayden also shared that she was “floored” by the support given to her after she spoke out publically about her battle.

“I was always so terrified that people weren’t going to accept me,” Hayden said in the interview. “I finally just went, ‘I’m tired of living afraid. I’m tired of living in fear of what people are going to think, so you know, I’m just going to put it all out there on the table and I’m not going to worry about the judgment.'”

“The more open I was, the more acceptance I got from people,” she added. “I got so much support and so much love. I was floored. I feel much more exposed, yes, but in a great way.”

According to the Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) website, up to 1 in 10 women suffer from Postpartum Depression.  The condition can involve panic attacks, persistent worrying, development of obsessive or compulsive behaviours, abrupt mood swings and feeling constantly sad, low, or crying for no obvious reasons.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306.

Image source: Getty Images

 

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  • It definetly exists and it’s great for celebraties to bring more attention to it.

    Reply

  • Congratulations on seekinghelp for post natal depression unless you have been there people judge and missunderstand. It is a living hell and feelings of shame and guilt are crucifying toyou,baby and family. Your article should be in Dr witing rooms and such places soother women who get this are given courage toseek help. All best wishes to ou and your family. It takes guts toask for help in a world where peope are quick to judge. Happens to more women than seek help because if fear, you gave me joywritting of your experiences and seeking help xo

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  • Lke ht

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  • I too suffered from (and still do) from postpartum depression after the birth of my daughter and the loss of my second angel. It is a daily struggle and I am constantly at war with myself. There is nothing worse than being told to ‘suck it up’ or in my case ‘get it over it already’. If only it were as easy as that.

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  • There’s nothing worse than needing the support of others and being told to “suck it up” or something similar. I remember when my ex husband told me to “get over it” when I had depression about losing a child… There’s a reason he’s my ex.

    Reply

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