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Early years

07th Aug 2018

‘Last week was not easy’: Serena Williams’ ongoing battle with postnatal depression

The tennis pro became a mum last year.

Anna O'Rourke

'Last week was not easy': Serena Williams on living with postnatal depression

“Most of you moms deal with the same thing.”

One of our favourite celebrity mums has served us a reminder that there’s no quick fix for postnatal depression.

Serena Williams revealed yesterday that she is still struggling with her mental health almost a year after becoming a mum.

Taking to to Instagram yesterday, Serena said that she’d been in a “funk” and felt she wasn’t a good mum.

“Last week was not easy for me,” she wrote.

“Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom.

“I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.

Serena acknowledged that lots of other mums, like her, feel guilty for working and being away from their children.

“We have all been there. I work a lot, I train, and I’m trying to be the best athlete I can be.

“However, that means although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be.

“Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes.

“I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week–it’s ok–I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!

The tennis pro gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia last September.

Serena recently admitted on Twitter that she’s never spent a day apart from her baby.

“319 days since I gave birth to this amazing baby. I’ve spent 319 of those days with her. I’m so fortunate,” she wrote.