Sara McGinnis
posted in CelebritiesThere's a soft spot in my heart today for Courtney Stodden, who is struggling through her first pregnancy.
The 21-year-old, who infamously wed actor Doug Hutchison when she was 16 and he was 51, has found herself unexpectedly pregnant and in a deep depression.
"I’m going through a lot at the moment. This wasn’t a planned pregnancy," she told ET last week, somberly announcing the big news. "But life happens."
Despite the pregnancy surprise, she added she "feel[s] happy about it but extremely overwhelmed."
One week after sharing the pregnancy news, Courtney Stodden told Us Weekly, "I suffer from depression," and her symptoms have worsened since her pregnancy began.
"My depression affects my appetite, sleeping patterns and overall perspective on life," the mom-to-be explained. "At times, I have severe insomnia and other times I find myself sleeping too much. I have feelings of hopelessness but experience many moments of absolute euphoria."
Just yesterday Courtney, who says she takes Xanax to help with her depression, posted a rough photo of herself leaning her head against a toilet seat with this message: "When does this end? #firsttrimester #baby #pregnant #morningsickness #notjustinthemornings."
While we often hear and write about postpartum depression, the BabyCenter experts note prenatal depression affects at least one in 10 pregnant women. In Courtney's case, it sounds like many of the risk factors (previous history of depression, relationship difficulties, unplanned pregnancy) match up with her particular situation.
To be clear, I'm well aware that many out there don't agree with the choices this mom-to-be has made in the past, but at this moment I can only put all of that aside and wish her well. Pregnancy is tough even under the best of circumstances, and depression just plain sucks. Here's hoping Courtney is able to find help and relief in the coming weeks.
Check here for more information on prenatal depression.
Photos: PR Photos
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