Celebrity Moms Who've Experienced Postpartum Depression and Resources That Can Help

Many celebrity moms have bravely opened up about their experiences with postpartum depression (PPD), helping to break the stigma and encourage open conversations about maternal mental health. Here are some well-known women who’ve shared their PPD journeys.

Sharing stories helps chip away at the stigma. These celebrity moms opened up about their postpartum struggles and by doing so, made it easier for others to get the help they need. If you’re struggling too, you’re not alone. Scroll to the bottom for resources that support healing and hope.

1. Chrissy Teigen

Shared her story in Glamour Magazine, Chrissy spoke about her struggle with PPD after having her daughter, Luna. Despite outwardly appearing happy, she felt exhausted and overwhelmed, which led her to seek therapy and medical help. She silently struggled with PPD after her daughter Luna's birth. “I had everything I needed, yet I was deeply unhappy.”

2. Brooke Shields

Author of “Down Came the Rain,” one of the first celebrities to speak publicly about postpartum depression. She described feeling hopeless, numb, and unable to bond with her baby until she sought professional treatment. She bravely wrote about her dark thoughts and emotional disconnection. “I wasn’t bonding with my baby. I felt like a monster.”

3. Adele

Interviewed by Vanity Fair, Adele admitted to feeling terrified, disconnected, and guilty after the birth of her son. She emphasized that “not talking about it” made it worse, and encouraged other moms to share their feelings. Adele admitted she didn’t talk about it at first because of shame and confusion. “It’s not just about crying. It’s not knowing who you are anymore.”

4. Serena Williams

Shared her journey in an essay for CNN, Serena opened up about feeling like she wasn’t doing enough as a mom, even as she faced health complications and emotional strain. She advocated for mental health awareness for moms worldwide. Serena described emotional lows and difficulty feeling like herself again. “I had to learn to be kind to myself.”

5. Drew Barrymore

Spoke to People Magazine after the birth of her second child, Drew experienced unexpected emotional lows. She described it as “different than the baby blues” and something that took time and support to move through. Drew had a delayed PPD experience after her second baby, which caught her by surprise. “I just didn’t expect it the second time around.”

6. Gwyneth Paltrow

Featured on her wellness site, Goop, Gwyneth’s PPD came as a surprise. She described herself as feeling like “a zombie,” and noted that healing began only after identifying what was really going on. She said PPD felt like she had “lost herself completely.” “I couldn’t access my emotions.”

7. Alanis Morissette

Shared deeply in her blog and interviews, Alanis experienced PPD with all three of her children and has been open about the darkness she felt emphasizing the need for support systems and professional help. She’s had PPD after all three of her children and speaks openly about it. “I felt physically and emotionally overwhelmed.”

8. Hayden Panettiere

Appeared on “Live with Kelly and Michael” and other platforms, Hayden sought treatment after suffering from PPD, reminding others that it’s okay to ask for help and that treatment works. Hayden checked into treatment and has been a vocal advocate for maternal mental health. “It’s OK to ask for help. It doesn’t make you a bad mom.”