In recent times, the media has been inundated with stories of celebrities entering treatment for various issues, with Nashville actress Chloe Matthews making headlines for seeking care not for substance abuse, but for postpartum depression (PPD). Her publicist confirmed the news, shedding light on a condition that affects many women. Matthews has bravely shared her journey since the birth of her daughter, Lily, last year, and her willingness to speak out is commendable. She is indeed a role model.
However, fleeting news pieces about celebrities grappling with postpartum depression do little to address the broader issue. Such stories often fail to provide the comprehensive coverage and support necessary to empower countless women who endure perinatal mood disorders yet do not seek help.
As co-editors of the upcoming anthology Mothering Through the Shadows: Women Share Their Postpartum Experiences (She Writes Press, November 2025), we have been privileged to listen to numerous accounts from women who have faced these challenges. After inviting contributions for our book and conducting a survey, we received heartfelt essays and testimonies from hundreds of mothers. Each narrative has underscored the complexities of postpartum experiences, far beyond the simplified celebrity headlines.
Katherine Stone, founder of the organization Postpartum Progress, articulated a critical point: “The media often rushes to report on PPD when a celebrity is candid about it. But I wish they would delve deeper into the range of illnesses that women can experience and highlight the experts who can offer guidance. Instead, the rush to create sensational stories with glamorous images often leads to misleading information that perpetuates stigma.”
Stone’s observations highlight a significant gap in the media’s portrayal of postpartum depression and related disorders. Consider the following important facts that are often overlooked in public discussions:
- Postpartum Depression is Just One of Many Disorders: PPD is only one facet of a spectrum of perinatal mood disorders. Conditions such as anxiety, OCD, and PTSD can also occur during or after pregnancy. One respondent from our survey shared, “I didn’t recognize my struggle for years because I thought PPD was just ‘depression.’”
- The Prevalence of Perinatal Mood Disorders: These disorders are not uncommon. While experts suggest that about 10 to 15 percent of new mothers experience PPD, the actual figure may be as high as 20 percent, according to Stone.
- Postpartum Psychosis is Distinct from PPD: This severe condition affects approximately 1-2 women per 1,000 births and can involve symptoms such as mania and hallucinations. The misrepresentation of PPD and postpartum psychosis often leads to harmful misconceptions that can deter women from seeking help.
- Invisible Struggles: Many mothers who face these disorders may appear perfectly fine on the outside. One mother recounted, “I was smiling and cheerful during my doctor visits, but internally, I was in a dark place.”
- PPD Can Persist Beyond the Early Months: Many women, including Matthews, may continue to struggle long after childbirth. One mother explained, “I tried to stop my medication at 15 months postpartum, but I quickly fell back into a dark place.”
- Loss and Adoption Are Relevant Too: Women who experience miscarriages, stillbirths, or who adopt may also confront perinatal mood disorders. A contributor noted, “My partner, who didn’t carry our child, also felt the emotional impact but didn’t acknowledge it because she thought it only affected the birthing parent.”
Our hope is that Matthews’ openness spurs a longer conversation about postpartum depression that extends beyond a single news cycle. We aspire for society to genuinely address the realities of PPD and related disorders, as mothers and their children deserve more comprehensive understanding and support.
For more insights into maternal mental health, resources like Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation can be invaluable. Additionally, exploring the topic with experts, such as those found at Serena Williams’ site, can provide further clarity on this subject. For those considering home insemination, check out our post on artificial insemination kits for helpful information.
In summary, while celebrity narratives can shine a light on postpartum depression, they must not overshadow the nuanced realities faced by many women. A deeper, ongoing discussion is essential to effectively support all mothers.