Serena Williams, the tennis legend, has candidly shared her ongoing battle with postpartum depression (PPD), revealing her struggles three months after giving birth to her second child. The 42-year-old athlete and her husband, Alexis O’Hanian, welcomed their second daughter on August 22, 2023.
In a Twitter post, Serena expressed her current emotional state, stating, “I am not ok today. And that’s ok to not be ok. No one is ok every single day. If you are not ok today I’m with you. There’s always tomorrow. Love you.” This heartfelt admission has raised concerns among her fans, who are now rallying behind her with support.
Sharing a photo of herself cuddling her infant in a subsequent tweet, Serena added, “This makes me so happy.” Her openness about the challenges she is facing has sparked conversations about the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly those related to postpartum experiences.
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, leading to symptoms such as severe mood swings, fatigue, spontaneous crying, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. While PPD is a common and treatable condition, Serena’s revelation sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness and support for new mothers.
Serena Williams retired from competitive tennis in September 2022 after a remarkable 27-year career since turning pro. Her decision to share her personal struggle with postpartum depression adds a significant voice to the ongoing dialogue surrounding mental health, particularly within the context of motherhood.
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
