Postpartum depression affects more than 10 % of new mothers, and it does not discriminate. Star of TV’s Nashville Hayden Panettiere knows this first hand, and she recently opened up about the challenge on Good Morning America. The actress explained that she has been battling postpartum depression since the birth of her daughter two years ago, and revealed that she has restarted treatment for the mood disorder so that she can remain a good mother and role model for her daughter. She posted a photo to her Twitter account this past May, explaining that she was planning on focusing on her health and well-being.
— hayden panettiere (@haydenpanettier) May 12, 2016
Treatment for Postpartum Depression
There are a variety of treatments available for those who believe they are experiencing postpartum depression, and it is very important that you seek help if you feel symptoms like lingering depression, anxiety, excessive worry abut your baby, and a lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor can treat the mood disorder through regular check-ups, talk therapy, and even anti-depressants. While taking medications is not often recommended for nursing mothers, there are certain types of anti-depressants that are safe for both mother and child.
It is also important to take care of yourself to help improve mood stability. While it is certainly difficult to keep a regular sleep schedule, getting enough rest is important as well as eating regularly. Panettiere expressed her wish to approach her treatment holistically, meaning she would rather focus on natural ways to help cope with her symptoms, one of said ways being exercise. Getting outside and exercising can help to ease the symptoms you are experiencing in a natural and healthy manner. Panettiere loves to hike, and hiking with a friend is a great way to lift your spirits as the endorphins from the exercise as well as the social aspect of being around another adult can help you feel more like yourself again. Yoga and Pilates are also exercises favored by the actress, and according to Yoga Journal, Kundalini yoga in particular can help with easing depression. Setting aside time specifically to relax is a great way to lessen the stress of being a new mother, and Kundalini yoga’s specific breathing patterns and meditation techniques have been said to help alter brain chemistry, balancing out hormones and expelling the negative chemicals that are associated with depression. Gurmukh Khalsa teaches Kundalini at Golden Bridge Yoga in LA and asserts that along with eating proper, balanced meals and sleeping whenever your baby does, yoga is one of the best things a new mother can do to keep her mind and body in shape during what can be an exhausting and trying time.
Hayden Panettiere has been extremely open about her battle with postpartum depression, and her courage has no doubt inspired others to seek help. The actress is an inspiration and it is wonderful to see her fans responding so supportively as she addresses the mood disorder head on and fights to maintain a healthy lifestyle with natural coping mechanisms.
Sources:
Rhode, J., “Balancing the Brain: Easing Stress and Postpartum Depression through Yoga,” Yoga Journal web site, August 28, 2007; http://www.yogajournal.com/article/lifestyle/balancing-the-brain-easing-stress-and-postpartum-depression-through-yoga/, last accessed January 9, 2017.
Logan, E., “Hayden Panettiere Opened Up About Her Experience With Postpartum Depression, and Her Wisdom Is So Necessary,” Glamour web site, January 6, 2017; http://www.glamour.com/story/hayden-panettiere-opened-up-about-her-experience-with-postpartum-depression-and-her-wisdom-is-so-necessary, last accessed January 9, 2017.
“Postpartum Depression,” Baby Center web site, November 2016; http://www.babycenter.com/0_postpartum-depression_227.bc, last accessed January 9, 2017.
McDermott, M., “Hayden Panettiere: Postpartum depression didn’t make me a bad mother,” USA Today web site, January 5, 2017; http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/01/05/hayden-panettiere-talks-postpartum-depression-nashville-good-morning-america-interview/96192760/, last accessed January 9, 2017.
“Hayden Panettiere Workout Routine and Diet Plan,” Healthy Celeb web site, http://healthyceleb.com/hayden-panettiere-workout-routine-diet-plan/19706, last accessed January 9, 2017.
