Jennifer Lawrence Opens Up About Struggle with Postpartum Depression
Jennifer Lawrence recently opened up about her experiences with postpartum depression during an interview on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast. The discussion highlighted her challenges balancing motherhood and her acting career.
Jennifer Lawrence Discusses Motherhood and Mental Health
In the episode aired on November 1, 2023, Lawrence expressed the sacrifices that come with motherhood. At 35, she described the emotional complexities of nurturing her career while prioritizing her family. “Having kids is sacrificial. It’s gratifying and it’s amazing and rewarding, but it’s not not sacrificial,” she stated.
Career vs. Family
Lawrence reflected on the internal conflict of wanting to continue her career while focusing on her children. “I’d never had to say no to something before that I really wanted to do,” she admitted. She acknowledged that her family holds immense importance in her life, yet her passion for acting remains a crucial aspect of her identity.
- Married to Cooke Maroney in October 2019
- Welcomed their first child, son Cy, in February 2022
- Expanded their family with a second baby earlier this year
Despite her optimistic views on being an actress as a mother, Lawrence noted that her initial assumptions did not align with reality. “So I’m reckoning with, ‘How much is it OK to love this and not want to give it up?’” she pondered.
Struggles with Anxiety
As a new mother, she faced anxiety after the birth of her second child. Seeking solace, she turned to literature, mentioning how stories helped her process her emotions. “I really lost myself in ideas,” she said. “That’s always been how I digest feelings.”
Connection to Upcoming Role
Lawrence’s insights about postpartum experiences influenced her preparation for her role in the film “Die My Love.” Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film focuses on a mother grappling with postpartum depression while her partner descends into psychosis. Upon receiving the script, she recognized its relevance to her journey.
Insights on Postpartum Depression
Lawrence shared that the book, recommended by Scorsese, resonated with her when she was in a positive mental state postpartum. She emphasized that her experience was different with her first child compared to her second, which brought additional challenges.
- Challenging postpartum experience during her second pregnancy
- Struggled with anxiety and intrusive thoughts
Seeking Help
To manage her anxiety, she sought therapy and medication. “I got on a drug called Zurzuvae and it really helped,” she shared. She encouraged anyone facing similar challenges to consider professional help, adding humor to the conversation about her treatment.
Lawrence’s candid reflections shed light on the often unspoken realities of motherhood and postpartum depression. Her experience reiterates the importance of mental health awareness and open discussions in parenting.
