Mindy Kaling on pregnancy: “I feel so anxious”
Actor Mindy Kaling recently admitted what many of us feel during pregnancy and beyond: Anxious.
Like many, we wish Kaling the best and hope she finds the support and resources she needs to get through this time in her life. But we’re also thrilled to hear someone in the spotlight confess to struggling with mental health issues while expecting. We often hear that pregnancy should be a peaceful time—one of the happiest in a woman’s life. So, when someone struggles with anxiety or depression during pregnancy, there’s often guilt and shame surrounding their experience—no matter that 15.6 percent of expectant moms face depression yearly, according to the World Health Organization.
Read more: How am I supposed to feel while pregnant?
When asked during an interview on TODAY whether she’ll be a fun mom, Kaling came clean: “I’m really happy that that’s what I project, but right now I just feel so anxious.”
It’s time that we stop painting a perfect picture of pregnancy and motherhood. While undeniably beautiful and special, both can be fraught with big, scary emotions. We applaud Kaling for showing the world a less-than-perfect pregnancy.
“I have a lot of control over a lot of aspects of my life,” Kaling explained in her interview. “This is one where I’m like, ‘OK, it’s out of my hands,’ which is kind of a funny feeling.”
Read more: Dealing with depression during pregnancy
If you have a baby on the way and find yourself struggling emotionally, get the help you need. Consult your health care provider on next steps. He or she will likely have recommendations and can refer you to a counselor or therapist for more support. While mental health disorders are common in pregnancy, there’s no reason for a parent-to-be to struggle when resources are available.
Photo source: Hulu; Story source: People.com
