NCT applauds Adele’s decision to speak out about her battle with postnatal depression.
With multi-platinum selling albums under her belt, riches untold and celebrity friends, one could be forgiven for thinking singer Adele has a charmed life. But the award-winning star’s revelation that she suffered from postnatal depression proves that the illness does not discriminate.
Speaking in the December 2016 issue of Vanity Fair, Adele not only details her own experiences of postnatal depression but also offers advice to other mothers. A move which has been roundly applauded by National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
“Adele is incredibly brave for speaking out about her battle with postnatal depression,” says Sarah McMullen, NCT Head of Knowledge. “Her honesty will help break the stigma around postnatal depression and stop women in the same situation feeling so alone.”
“She offers some great advice about mums talking to other mums, friends and family about their feelings. Speaking out can be such a hard thing to do but it’s often the first step on the road to recovery.”
Adele and partner charity boss Simon Konecki’s only child together, Angelo, was born in 2012, the same year she won Album Of The Year at the Grammy Awards for the chart-topping 21.
But, like so many women, Adele’s experience of early motherhood was hardly a bed of roses. However, she turned to other mothers for support.
“One day, I said to a friend, ‘I f***in’ hate this’, and she burst into tears and said, ‘I f***in’ hate this, too,’” she recalls. “And it was done. It lifted.”
The London-born singer also spoke about the ongoing struggles of motherhood with refreshing honesty and candour.
“I love my son more than anything, but on a daily basis, if I have a minute or two, I wish I could do whatever the f**k I wanted, whenever I want. Every single day I feel like that.”
She goes on to reveal that she takes one afternoon a week to herself, something she feels no guilt for because it keeps her happy, which she believes ultimately makes her a better mother.
Postnatal depression affects more than one in ten women in the UK, yet it’s still widely regarded as a taboo subject.
“Getting help early can make all the difference,” says McMullen. “If you feel something is wrong don’t suffer in silence, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.”
Words: Martha Alexander | Main Image: Press Association
Read More:
- Postnatal Depression in Dads: Signs, Symptoms and how to Help
- Everything you Need to Know About Louis Theroux’s Documentary on Postnatal Psychosis
- The Facts About Postnatal Depression
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