Hayden Panettiere To Enter Treatment for PostPartum Depression Voluntarily

Having a child is a beautiful miracle, but it's not all sunshine and daisies. People reported that"Nashville" star Hayden Panettiere, for instance, is currently battling postpartum depression and seeking professional help at a treatment center, as confirmed by her rep.

Panettiere, who had her daughter Kaya Evodokia with Wladimir Klitschko in December, has been open about her struggle. Last month on "Live! With Kelly And Michael", the 26-year-old actress discussed her character Juliette Barnes's PPD journey, telling them, "I can very much relate."

"It's something a lot of women experience. When [you're told] about postpartum depression you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child' -- I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do," she shared. "But you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, postpartum depression may start during the pregnancy, up to a year after the birth of the child --- and it's not only the mother who will go through it either. A mother or a father (even adoptive parents) with postpartum depression is said not enjoy the baby, and have frequent thoughts about being a bad parent. The possibility of harming themselves or their baby can also cross their minds, although it is rare for them to act upon the said thoughts.

However, the CMHA has noted that postpartum depression can be very difficult there are things that one can do treat it. Panettiere was right to check herself into a treatment facility as counseling and support are among the most common treatment for postpartum depression. Medication (antidepressants) can also be prescribed for other cases.

Panettiere acknowledged that there is a stigma surrounding the illness, with many throwing it out as "hormones". To that, she said It's really painful and it's really scary and women need a lot of support."

"Women are amazing. We do something that no man can do on this planet. I mean, we grow a human being in our body!" she added. In her voluntary check-in at the treatment facility, she is showing that she is taking care of herself, as well as her baby, by acknowledging that postpartum depression is a real illness that should be addressed.

Postpartum Support International said that 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression. To help locate sources in you area, check out the PSI support map here.