Tess Holliday is shedding light on the struggles of motherhood, particularly when it comes to dealing with postpartum depression. The 38-year-old model has been candid about her own experience with postpartum depression, sharing her story with the public to raise awareness and offer support to other moms going through similar challenges.
Holliday has partnered with Natural Cycles, an FDA-cleared birth control app, in collaboration with Postpartum Support International to bring attention to the emotional toll that motherhood can take. Speaking to PEOPLE, Holliday revealed that she experienced postpartum depression with both of her children, who are 10 years apart. She explained that the first time she was a single mom at age 20, while the second time she was in a marriage that lacked support.
The model emphasized the importance of discussing these issues openly, especially for those who are in the public eye and facing additional challenges. She shared that navigating postpartum depression while dealing with an abusive relationship was particularly difficult, but she chose to share her struggles online to help others feel less alone.
Holliday also highlighted the everyday challenges of parenting two children with a significant age gap, noting that disagreements over simple things like dinner choices or movie selections can lead to meltdowns. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized the importance of having a support system in place, even if it’s a small village of trusted individuals.
Addressing the stigma surrounding hiring help as a mom, Holliday shared her own experience of having a full-time nanny in the past. She stressed that it’s vital for moms to do whatever they need to do to support their children, whether that involves hiring outside assistance or relying on family members for help.
