Mena Suvari Got Real About The Struggles Of Postpartum Depression: 'It's A Lot Of Work'

"American Pie" star Mena Suvari felt trapped as she struggled with postpartum depression following the birth of her son Christopher Alexander, whom she welcomed with husband Michael Hope in April 2021. The actor shared on the "Broad Ideas" podcast that, despite the urge to care for herself, she felt as though she couldn't leave her child's side. "I was freaking out. I was like, 'I have to do something for myself but I can't leave,'" she explained, noting that despite her husband and doula's support and encouragement, there were still struggles. "I still struggle with that. ... I don't have to be in [my son's] face 24/7 to raise a good human being because of my fear. ... It's a lot of work," she said. 

Suvari added that dealing with the feelings of entrapment and fear was a daily battle. Like Drew Barrymore, whose two C-sections took a toll on her body, the "Fireflies at El Mozote" actor's birthing experience contributed to her struggles with postpartum depression. While Suvari planned for a natural birth within the comfort of her home, she ended up at the hospital having an emergency C-section. The 48-hour experience and unexpected change of plans brought her grief. "We as mothers are entitled to those emotions and just because I have a beautiful baby who's perfectly healthy, my husband's wonderful and we made it out of the hospital, I still feel like I'm allowed to hold some space for being sad over not having that birth," she told podcast hosts Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen.

While postpartum depression is a common topic of discussion, Mena Suvari's motherhood struggles began early on in her journey. After several failed attempts to conceive at age 40, the actor often felt "overwhelmed and stressed out," she told People in 2020. In an interview with ET in 2021, she revealed she also "spent so much time doubting [the process] and having emotional breakdowns." If that wasn't enough, once she actually became pregnant, Suvari experienced what she calls "first-time mom craziness," which included a lot of anxiety as she waited for her child to arrive.

Still, the "Don't Tell a Soul" star remained dedicated to her baby and grateful for the opportunity to be a mom. "The greatest, most precious gift has come our way. Through all the trauma, through all the struggle, through all the doubt, our little angel has chosen us," she captioned an Instagram post announcing her pregnancy. "I will never have enough words to describe my love for this beautiful soul coming into our lives, but I won't ever stop trying to give him the best life possible. You're all I've ever wanted and the most important thing that will ever matter."

When it comes to motherhood, the "Sugar & Spice" star isn't the only celeb to speak about her struggles. Emma Thompson went through a "brutal" IVF journey, and Hayden Panettiere shared her sad but honest postpartum journey. By sharing her experience, Suvari hopes to let those experiencing similar challenges know they are not alone.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.