Jennifer Lawrence, the 35-year-old Oscar-winning actress, is candidly discussing her struggles with postpartum anxiety following the birth of her second child earlier this year. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Lawrence opened up about the intense fears and anxieties she experienced as a new mom, feelings that she says were more pronounced after her second baby. Lawrence is married to Cooke Maroney, and they have two sons: Cy, born in 2022, and a younger son whose name and birthdate have not been publicly revealed.
Lawrence revealed the overwhelming thoughts that plagued her, confessing, "I just thought every time he was sleeping he was dead,". She continued, "I thought he cried because he didn't like his life, or me, or his family. I thought I was doing everything wrong, and that I would ruin my children". These feelings left her feeling isolated and questioning her abilities as a mother.
The actress shared that her postpartum anxiety was significantly worse with her second child. "I didn't really end up having really bad postpartum [anxiety] until my second [baby]," Lawrence told People Magazine at the New York City premiere of her new movie, "Die My Love". In the film, she plays a new mom navigating the challenges of motherhood, a role she felt more connected to because of her own experiences. She explained that having gone through postpartum anxiety herself gave her a deeper understanding of the role and the emotional weight it carries. "I think that just added another layer,” she explained, adding, ”I mean, I don't think that you have to have kids to play a parent by any means, but having that information about, you know, what a tiny person needs, and is looking for. Just having that information was helpful".
Lawrence also recounted a moment when she was brought to tears while seeking breastfeeding advice from ChatGPT. The AI's response, "You're doing the most amazing thing for your baby. You're such a loving mother," offered her a sense of comfort, highlighting how even artificial intelligence could provide reassurance during a vulnerable time.
To manage her symptoms, Lawrence sought medical help and began taking Zurzuvae, a recently developed and FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. She noted that the drug has significantly helped her cope with the anxiety. She also wants other mothers to know about this drug.
Lawrence's openness about her postpartum anxiety is helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in new mothers. Experts emphasize that her experience is not unusual, with postpartum anxiety occurring when normal worries become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. By sharing her story, Jennifer Lawrence is encouraging other women to seek help and know that they are not alone.
