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Reality star Kylie Jenner has spoken out about feeling like herself again after suffering from postpartum depression that “lasted a year”.
The 27-year-old beauty mogul revealed to British Vogue that she spent her entire twenties in mom mode, after having children Stormi, now 6, and Aire, 2, with current ex-boyfriend Travis Scott.
“I finally feel like myself again,” she told the magazine. “When I was pregnant, I wore sweatpants every day, I didn't have time to think about even some of the little things in my life, and then postpartum lasted a year.
“Mentally, it’s very hard. Hormonally, it’s very hard. I didn’t know how to dress myself.
“It affected me differently both times,” Jenner said. “Probably with my son it was a lot of postpartum depression, so I got really emotional about things that I probably wouldn’t feel as emotional about.” [typically].”
The billionaire, who has nearly 400 million followers on Instagram, said they initially chose the name Knight for their son, but a year later settled on Aire.
“When I met him, he was the most beautiful thing in my life… I couldn’t believe how perfect he was. I felt like such a failure that I couldn’t even name him. He deserved so much more than that. It really touched me.”
What is postpartum depression?
Postnatal depression is a common problem affecting more than one in 10 women in the year after giving birth, according to the NHS.
“Postpartum depression, also called postnatal depression, is a mood disorder that some people experience after having a baby,” explains Dr Chun Tang, medical director of Pall Mall Medical.
“It's more than just 'postpartum depression' – it's when feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion take over and make it difficult to live daily and care for your little one.
“The terms ‘postpartum’ and ‘postnatal’ are often used interchangeably, but they mean the same thing.”
Both mothers and fathers can experience it.
“One myth is that only women get it, but men can experience it too,” Tang adds. “Having postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’re weak or a bad parent. It’s a medical condition and can affect anyone.”
What are the symptoms?
“Postpartum depression symptoms can vary, but typically include mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby, and withdrawal from family and friends,” says Dr. Laura Geige, a physician and psychologist. “Also, loss of appetite or eating much more than usual, insomnia or sleeping too much, and overwhelming fatigue.
“Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems and muscle aches may also appear.”
What causes it and what can help?
“Certain things can increase your chances of getting postpartum depression, like if you’ve had depression before, don’t have much support, or had a difficult pregnancy or birth,” Tang says.
“Stressful events, such as financial or relationship problems, can also play a role, but remember that it can happen to anyone, even if there is no clear reason.”
It’s no surprise that so many people struggle after having a baby, given the significant life adjustment combined with “the cocktail of hormones, lack of sleep, recovery or birth trauma, learning to feed, and often a lack of support,” says Crystal Miles, a doula and founder of Connected Babies.
“Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a great way to work through negative thoughts and feelings,” Tang says. “Sometimes medications like antidepressants may be necessary, especially in more severe cases, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s safe, especially if you’re breastfeeding.”
“And don’t underestimate the power of lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly, eating well and trying to get enough rest can help with recovery.”
Miles adds: “Relying on or asking for help from family, friends or other parents, hiring help such as a postnatal doula, accessing support groups and talking to health professionals can also be beneficial.”
