Chrissy Teigen has always been very up front about her struggle with postnatal depression after she gave birth to her daughter, Luna, who is now three.
In a series of video clips to help raise awareness on the subject, the mum-of-two has revealed the moment she realised things were getting worse for her.
Chrissy Teigen started keeping clothes in her pantry
The Sports Illustrated model, who is married to singer John Legend, said in a video interview for her #MyWishForMoms campaign: “I knew things were really bad when I started keeping clothes in the pantry because I wasn’t going up to bed.”
“The mere thought of going up, changing for bed, and then getting dressed again and coming downstairs the next day was just painful to me.
“So I just started sleeping on the couch for a couple of months — and John slept with me every night — I would keep a stack of clothes in the pantry, the same clothes I was pregnant in.
“I was just like, ‘Screw it.’ I basically lived on the first floor of my house forever.”
Chrissy says women feel like they can’t admit they are suffering
Chrissy, 33, who is also mum to 10-month-old Miles, revealed she felt ashamed at first to admit how she was feeling.
“None of the regular mum groups [talk about it],” she said. “In baby music class they’re not like, ‘I have postpartum depression, do you?'”
Chrissy added in a press release: “My wish for mums is that they know they aren’t alone, and they are supported by the more than 500,000 women who share their experience each year.
“Imagine if we can get as many people talking about postpartum depression and anxiety as those experiencing it, and let them know help is available.”
Chrissy Teigen says eating this helped her avoid having postnatal depression for the second time
Chrissy Teigen on her late-onset postnatal depression: ‘It sneaks up on a lot of people’
Getting The Support You Need
One in seven women in Australia suffers from postnatal depression and one in ten new fathers also experience postnatal depression, says Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA).
If you or someone you know is struggling, then remember you are not alone. Have a look at our story on what every mum who has experienced PND needs to hear as well as our post natal depression archives for ways to get the help you deserve.
For more on the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression visit www.panda.org.au.
Support
PANDA National Helpline www.panda.org.au – 1300 726 306
Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 224 636
Join our Healthy Mummy support groups for support through other mums, judgement-free!