Hayden Panettiere Postpartum Depression: 'Nashville' Actress Opens Up About Her Struggle

Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere opened up about her struggle with postpartum depression during a red carpet appearance at the Critics' Choice Awards. It was her first major red carpet appearance since she sought treatment for postpartum depression, and Panettiere is not holding back when it comes it her recent struggle.

Clad in a gorgeous peach gown with a plunging neckline, the actress spoke to E! News openly and honestly about the personal struggle she has been going through since the birth of her daughter, Kaya.

The Heros alum was candid as she explained that seeking treatment has made her life "better." She went on to talk about how postpartum depression was not something she ever understood before having dealt with it herself. "You could never understand it unless you have a personal involvement with it."

One revelation that was truly inspriing and honest was when she talked about the connection with her daughter and how difficult it was as a mother to not feel a bond with her child. Now, she says, that bond "has really come to light and solidified over the past few months."

Panettiere went on to talk about how she hopes what she went through will help other people and remarked that she "never realized how much of a stigma" postpartum depression has with it. She wants her story to help other women and hopefully give them support as well. She wants women to realize that having postpartum depression "doesn't mean they're a bad mom."

The actress also shared just how much she has learned in the last few months and not just about the disease but also about the support for it. She admitted to having been surprised at the support she received, not just from the industry she works in but her fans as well.

She then shared how well she is doing now. She is no longer hiding, lying or putting a smile on her face to mask her pain. The actress is finally comfortable in her own skin. "It's like a weight off my shoulders," she said.

The Nashville star recently went back to work on the hit show. Her character, Juliette Barnes, who was also seeking treatment for the same disease, will be seen when the show returns in March.