Maternal Mental Health

You know who we love? Well, lots of people actually. But one person we're constantly crushing on Chrissy Teigen and her keep-it-real-mama vibes. On Maternal Mental Health Week, we wanted to share the essay she wrote on her struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety, but it's so evergreen because every week should be maternal mental health. We need more awareness than just one week.

I looked at my doctor, and my eyes welled up because I was so tired of being in pain. Of sleeping on the couch. Of waking up throughout the night. Of throwing up. Of taking things out on the wrong people. Of not enjoying life. Of not seeing my friends. Of not having the energy to take my baby for a stroll. My doctor pulled out a book and started listing symptoms. And I was like, ‘Yep, yep, yep,’  I got my diagnosis: postpartum depression and anxiety.

What is important about Chrissy’s story is that – while she was struggling – she was functional. She was going to work, parenting her daughter, and continuing with life, even though everything was feeling harder. So relatable.

Well, as relatable as a model/influencer/author/television host/designer married to an international recording artist can be.

We tend to think that perinatal mood disorders look like this:

And sometimes they do.

But sometimes they look like this:

Or like this:

There is a broad spectrum of perinatal moods – they can manifest in many very different ways. And it’s common. Really common. And normal. We just don't talk about it enough which leads us to feeling alone. One in five people experience some level of anxiety or depression in pregnancy or postpartum.

A common misunderstanding is that symptoms must rise to the level of postpartum psychosis (what many mistake as postpartum depression or anxiety), or be incapacitating to be worthy of attention.

The truth is, many parents are able to continue to function – albeit with more difficulty than usual – and even hide their symptoms.

In every case, whatever it looks like, you don’t have to suffer through. If you are struggling, even if you’re managing, you deserve support.

One of our favorite resources is Pregnancy and Postpartum Support International. They have a helpline, can connect you to local resources and professionals, and a lot of helpful information on their website.

PSI Helpline
Call 1-800-944-4773 (#1 En Espanol or #2 English)  
Text: English: 503-894-9453 or Español: 971-420-0294

And remember: you're probably doing better than you feel. Try to find wins in the little things and be proud of even what feels like small accomplishments, like brushing your teeth. We're rooting for you.

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