Selma Blair Posts an Emotional Instagram About Her Depression and Anxiety
Despite what Selma Blair's glamorous roles in films like Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions would have you believe, she's battled years of depression, anxiety, and alcoholism. And, in an emotional Instagram post this week, Blair wrote about the details of this 21-year journey.
"I came to Los Angeles over twenty years ago," Blair wrote in the caption, recounting how she lived in a "cute" studio apartment, met her best friend, went to auditions, and got work as an actor. But that wasn't all she was dealing with: "I battled alcoholism and depression and anxiety. I am now winning that battle. Hi a much better life!" Blair continued.
She continued, "I had a son. Hi Arthur! I lived with #postpartumdepression for 4 long years. Crippling anxiety. I fell apart. The last moment being very public. I was sorry. I was humbled. I stayed humble." Blair credited a group of Instagrammers, many of them moms themselves, with giving her the support she needed to overcome her depression and anxiety. "I got better. The weight of grief began to lift. I still struggle. I cry quietly so as not to wake my child. I am a good mother," she wrote.
You're more likely to develop postpartum depression if you've had previous experiences with depression or anxiety.
And, as SELF wrote previously, you're more likely to develop postpartum depression again if you've had it before. So if you do have a history of mental illness, it's important to have a plan in place when you become pregnant in order to prevent postpartum depression (such as giving your ob/gyn a heads up, having your support network on call, and checking in with a mental health professional).
And, of course, if you develop symptoms of postpartum depression, it's crucial to seek professional help. Left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or longer, possibly developing into chronic depression, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Blair ended with a note about learning to have hope despite her past experiences.
"I have always been an actress. An actress who hasn't had hope I will really work again. Now, when I finally have a well to draw from. It could all change on some Tuesday afternoon. For better or for worse. I want to have hope again," Blair wrote. "I want to thank you all for believing in me.I want to find the right work for me. And for me as a mom and as a woman who has come so far in personal ways. I want to make us all proud. 21 years later. #heartonsleeve. It's a random Tuesday. Maybe miracles will happen ⭐️ #actress."
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