Halle Bailey Reveals Struggle with Severe Postpartum Depression After Birth of Son

Halle Bailey, the star of the upcoming live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid', has opened up about her battle with severe postpartum depression following the birth of her son Halo with boyfriend DDG last year. In a candid video shared on Snapchat, the 24-year-old actress and singer described her struggles, saying she feels like a "completely different person" and has difficulty being separated from her baby for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Bailey's revelation illuminates the challenges many new mothers face, even as they celebrate the joys of parenthood. "I have severe, severe postpartum [depression]," Bailey shared in the video. "It's like, you know, when you're swimming in this ocean that's like the biggest waves you've ever felt, and you're trying not to drown, and you're trying to come up for air."

Despite her boyfriend DDG being a supportive partner and "the most amazing daddy in the world," Bailey admitted to feeling disconnected from her own body and marveling at the miracle of her son. She emphasized that her depression has nothing to do with her love for her baby, stating, "This has nothing to do with my baby. My baby is perfect. He's the greatest blessing."

Bailey also highlighted the stigma surrounding postpartum depression and urged for empathy and understanding, noting that even celebrities can struggle with it after having a baby. She revealed that she was triggered by hurtful comments about her family and loved ones on social media, acknowledging that being a public figure does not shield her from the impact of harsh words.

Why this matters: Bailey's openness about her experience aims to reduce the stigma around postpartum depression and encourage other new mothers to seek help when needed. Her story serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or success, and that support and understanding are crucial for new parents navigating this challenging time.

During her speech at the Essence Black Woman in Hollywood Awards last month, Bailey spoke about her decision to keep her pregnancy private, not wanting the outside world to comment on a special time in her life. As she continues to battle postpartum depression, Bailey expressed gratitude for her support system and the love she receives from her partner and family. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other mothers feel less alone in their struggles and encourage them to prioritize their mental health during the postpartum period.

Key Takeaways

• Halle Bailey opens up about severe postpartum depression after son's birth.
• Bailey describes feeling disconnected from her body and struggling to be apart from baby.
• Bailey emphasizes depression is not due to lack of love for her child, who is a "blessing".
• Bailey aims to reduce stigma around postpartum depression and encourage seeking help.
• Bailey kept pregnancy private, now grateful for support system during postpartum struggles.