Kylie Jenner, makeup mogul and mother of two, has recently opened up about her mental health struggles in a new interview with Vanity Fair Italia.
Kylie has spoken previously about her experience with the "baby blues" - low mood and mild depression in the days following giving birth which, according to the NHS, does not last more than two weeks - and the pressure to "be back" to her former mindset and exercise routine after birth.
However, in the new interview, she specifically discusses postnatal depression, which involves a low mood, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and withdrawal from social contact. NHS advice states that postnatal depression is different from baby blues as it typically lasts longer or starts later.
Now, Kylie is shedding light on what it may be like to experience the condition. When asked about her advice for mothers struggling with postpartum depression, she said; "I have experienced it. Twice. The first time was very difficult, the second was more manageable."
She specifically spoke about how hormonal changes impacted her mental health, saying; "I know, in those moments you think that it will never pass, that your body will never be the same as before, that you will never be the same. That's not true: the hormones, the emotions at that stage are much, much more powerful and bigger than you."
Postpartum depression can develop any time in the first year after giving birth and can be a gradual change. The full range of symptoms, as per NHS guidelines, include:
- a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
- lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
- finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby
- withdrawing from contact with other people
- problems concentrating and making decisions
- frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby
If you believe you or someone you know has postnatal depression, you should speak to a GP, health professional, or midwife as soon as possible.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
WORDS BY: Megan Wallace
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.