Hayden Panettiere “Doing Great” Following Postnatal Depression Treatment

Nashville star Hayden Panettiere has been praised by her co-stars for her openness regarding seeking treatment for postnatal depression. The actress spoke candidly about the need for the topic to be discussed more in mainstream media, before attending a treatment facility back in October following the birth of her daughter, Kaya.

Hayden addressed the issue when talking about her character in TV series Nashville, Juliette Barnes, who also deals with postnatal depression:

?I could very much relate. It’s something a lot of women experience, and it needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone and that it does heal,? she said.

She also said that there are ?a lot of misunderstandings? surrounding the subject of postnatal depression. “There are those who, unfortunately, think that it’s not real, that it’s not true, that it’s something that’s made up in their minds. They brush it off. It’s something that’s completely uncontrollable. It’s really painful, and it’s really scary and women need a lot of support.?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression some women experience after they have given birth. It usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth, although it may not develop for several months. There is often no reason for the depression. It is said to affect about one in 10 mothers and in some cases, can last up to two years. Every year at least 12,000 Irish women are said to suffer from this, according to the HSE.

Chopping hair off is like getting rid of metaphorical and literal dead ends. Off with the old and growing the new pic.twitter.com/xELYiOGmu2

? hayden panettiere (@haydenpanettier) December 4, 2015

The 26-year-old made her first public appearance since entering treatment this week, and she looked radiant, revealing a new haircut to?get rid of metaphorical and literal dead ends. “Off with the old and growing the new,” she tweeted.

Jonathan Jackson, who plays Hayden’s onscreen husband in the show, said Hayden was doing great?and praised her for setting such a positive example for others. “I think she seems to be doing really well, and obviously all of us are very excited for her to come back when it’s time… But I’m also really grateful that she’s taking the time that she needs, and I think that that’s really a wonderful example for people,” he said.

Hayden’s candour has been rightfully widely praised. It is important that the issue keeps getting treated with such positivity, especially since a survey revealed that many new mums suffer in silence rather than ask for help. Always reach out to someone if you’re going through similar difficulties, as it’s so important to address your mental health and general wellbeing following the birth of a child and indeed, at any time in your life.

If you have been affected by any of the above content, please see PND.ie or contact your GP.?

Via Yahoo