Heroes Actress Says Postnatal Depression ?Needs To Be Openly Talked About?

Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has said the subject of postnatal depression needs to be discussed more openly.

The Nashville star has spoken about her battle with this?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 post-natal’depression:

?I can very much relate. It’s something a lot of women experience. When [you are told] about postpartum depression you think it’s ?I feel negative feelings towards my child; I want to injure or hurt my child.? I’ve never, ever had those feelings. But some women do,” the 26-year-old said. She was quick to mention that the symptoms can be different for everyone:

?But you don’t realise how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It’s something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone and that it does heal,? she said.

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 in some cases 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.

Hayden gave birth to nine-month-old Kaya in December 2014, her first child with heavyweight world boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko and revealed the pair would like to have four children in total.

Panettiere went on to lament the fact that this’depression is often so misunderstood, by women and the people around them.

She then acknowledged that there are ?a lot of misunderstandings? surrounding the subject of post-natal depression. She added that she quickly realised that 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.?

Women are not the only people who suffer from this, though. A survey taken earlier this year revealed that it also affects just over 1 in 10 dads as well.

Do you agree with Panettiere’s comments? Few would argue of the negative stigma that can so frequently be associated with the topic (a study said many new mums suffer in silence rather than ask for help) and to this end, it’s always great to see public figures raise awareness about something that is so difficult to go through.

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

Via USA Today