Hayden Panettiere has opened up about her battle with postpartum depression in her new memoir, reflecting on the moment she first spoke publicly about the condition.
The actress, known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, Scream, and Bring It On: All or Nothing, is sharing her story in This Is Me, A Reckoning, a memoir that explores fame, motherhood, addiction, grief and family relationships.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hayden Panettiere’s raw reckoning with fame and family
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
Speaking on The Morning Show, Panettiere recalled revealing her postpartum depression during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, admitting she had not planned to discuss it publicly.
“I had no clue that I was going to admit to having postpartum depression. And then the reaction to it, I realised how many people needed to hear it,” Panettiere said.
“And then I walked off and then got the call that Neutrogena wanted to let me go.”
Panettiere said writing the memoir was an opportunity to tell her story in her own words after years of speculation and headlines.
“I feel like people have been telling my story for so many years and it was time for everyone to see the big picture,” she said.
The book also details her complicated relationship with her mother, revealing she often felt more like an employee than a daughter. The pair are now estranged.
“She was my barometer, my coach. Pleasing her was how I ended up associating love,” Panettiere said.
“Just because we’re related to somebody doesn’t mean that we’re obligated to have a toxic relationship with them that ultimately hurts us.”
The memoir also explores the death of her brother Jansen in 2023 and her struggles with addiction, which she has previously spoken about publicly.
Despite the challenges, Panettiere said she has embraced what she calls “radical acceptance”.
“Radical acceptance is accepting a situation for exactly what it is,” she said.
“Life throws you lemons, and they’re supposed to be acidic and sour. And instead of trying to battle against it, you have to find your way through it.”
Now 11, Panettiere’s daughter Kaya is beginning to understand her mother’s place in popular culture, recently greeting her on FaceTime with “Hi, Brittany”, a reference to her character in Bring It On: All or Nothing.
Looking ahead, the actress said she hopes to continue expanding her career behind the camera.
“I would love to direct. I would love to produce. I would love to use my skill set that I’ve learned over 36 years,” she said.
This Is Me, A Reckoning is out now.
Former Home And Away star opens up on son’s diagnosis
1 min read
Think you can conquer Sydney’s steepest street?
