Reese Witherspoon Reveals Severe Postpartum Depression After Daughter’s Birth

Reese Witherspoon has opened up about a difficult period in her life. The actress detailed her lifelong struggles with mental health. She faced a severe bout of postpartum depression after her daughter’s birth.

This occurred following the birth of her daughter, Ava Phillippe. Witherspoon was just 23 years old at the time. She described feeling overwhelmed by the experience and external pressures.

Witherspoon Details Overwhelming Postpartum Experience

According to Harper’s Bazaar, Witherspoon described the period as “really bad.” She experienced a significant hormone drop after giving birth. The actress recalled crying constantly and suffering from exhaustion.

She felt simultaneously happy and deeply depressed. This continued for the first six months. The feelings returned when she stopped nursing her daughter.

Anxiety and Perfectionism Fueled Career Success

Witherspoon connected her mental health to her professional drive. She believes her anxiety contributed to her success. The pressure to be perfect pushed her to extreme levels.

She now recognizes that perfection is not sustainable. Despite this, she acknowledges it helped her career. The star is now learning to accept that she is enough.

Witherspoon’s candid discussion highlights the hidden struggles of postpartum depression and its long-term impact, encouraging a vital conversation about maternal mental health.

Thought you’d like to know-

How many children does Reese Witherspoon have?

Reese Witherspoon has three children. She shares two, Ava and Deacon, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. Her youngest son, Tennessee, is with ex-husband Jim Toth.

What did Reese say about her anxiety and career?

She stated her anxiety and perfectionism drove her professional success. Witherspoon felt pressured to show up perfectly at work. She now sees that perfection is not an attainable goal.

How common is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a common condition. It affects many new mothers after childbirth. Symptoms can include intense sadness, exhaustion, and anxiety.

What did Reese credit with helping her manage her mental health?

She credited her mother, Betty Reese, with teaching her to monitor symptoms. Witherspoon also had the means to access a doctor and mental-health specialist. She emphasized that many people struggle without such resources.

How has her perspective on mental health changed?

Witherspoon is now more open about her struggles. She is learning to relax and accept herself. The actress feels she has had an abundance of good fortune in her life.