Serena Williams Opens Up About Her Struggles With Postpartum Depression

Serena Williams has opened up about her struggles with postpartum emotions and how it is affecting her career. Last week, Williams experienced the worst defeat of her career at the Silicon Valley Classic where she scored a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Brit Johanna Konta. Williams took to Instagram to explain how her concerns about motherhood affected her sportsmanship.

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“I felt I was not a good mom,” Williams wrote. She also expressed her relief upon finding that she is not alone in her postpartum emotional struggles. “Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.” Williams also shared her research about postpartum emotions, stating that these issues can last for up to three years post-birth if not dealt with properly. Williams has been advocating for postpartum physical and emotional side effects since she gave birth to her daughter last September. She suffered a number of health emergencies after her delivery and has been advocating for more attentive medical care for postpartum mothers since then.

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While the star athlete was open about her emotions, she ended the post on a positive note, assuring any mothers reading that, “finding that balance with kids is a true art.” Williams added, “if you are having a rough day or week — it’s ok — I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!” Williams’ openness with her struggles as well as her optimism that she — and every mother — can bounce back is sure to go a long way with public awareness for postpartum emotional issues.