Jennifer Lawrence Opens Up About Postpartum Depression Struggles
Jennifer Lawrence candidly discussed her experiences with postpartum depression during a recent episode of “The Interview” podcast by The New York Times, aired on November 1, 2023. The actress, known for her roles in films such as *The Hunger Games*, revealed the emotional challenges she faced after becoming a mother, emphasizing the sacrifices involved in balancing her career and family life.
Lawrence described motherhood as “sacrificial,” acknowledging the rewarding aspects while also pointing out the difficulties. “I’d never had to say no to something before that I really wanted to do,” she noted, reflecting on her internal conflict between career aspirations and family responsibilities. At 35, she expressed feeling “vain and selfish” for wanting to continue her career while her family was at home, stating, “My kids and my family are more important, obviously, but they feel like an equal part of me.”
The actress tied the knot with husband Cooke Maroney in October 2019. They welcomed their son, Cy, in February 2022, and expanded their family with another child earlier this year, though no details about the newborn have been shared publicly.
Reflecting on her initial experience of motherhood, Lawrence believed that being an actress would allow her to be a “hands-on mom.” However, she later realized that it was not as simple as she had anticipated. “So I’m reckoning with, ‘How much is it OK to love this and not want to give it up?’” she explained.
With the birth of her second child, she encountered heightened anxiety and sought solace in literature. “I really lost myself in ideas,” she remarked, indicating that reading became a coping mechanism during that challenging time.
A pivotal moment came when acclaimed director Martin Scorsese approached her about the role of Grace in *Die My Love*, inspired by the novel by Ariana Harwicz. The story follows a young mother grappling with postpartum depression while her husband descends into psychosis. Lawrence recalled reading the book shortly after Cy’s birth, stating, “I read it in one sitting.”
While she experienced a positive postpartum journey with her first child, her second experience was markedly different. She described feeling overwhelmed, stating, “I felt like a tiger was chasing me every day. I had so much anxiety.” The actress faced intrusive thoughts that led to self-doubt, stemming from fears of worst-case scenarios.
To address her struggles, Lawrence sought therapy and medication, specifically mentioning a drug called Zurzuvae. “I was already in therapy, but I got on a drug called Zurzuvae and I took it for two weeks and it really helped,” she shared, humorously adding, “So if anybody’s having postpartum: Zurzuvae. I’m not paid by them, but they could maybe throw me something.”
During filming for *Die My Love*, Lawrence was pregnant with her second child, which added complexity to her performance. She revealed that discussing the themes of the film with a postpartum specialist informed her understanding of maternal mental health, particularly the alarming statistic that suicide is a leading cause of death among mothers in their first year.
As she navigated her roles both as an actress and a mother, Lawrence concluded with a sense of reflection on the emotional landscape of motherhood, recognizing the challenges while also embracing the rewards of her family life.
