Jess Wright has spoken out about her battle with "debilitating" postnatal depression. The former TOWIE star said she wanted "the world to stop" following the birth of her son Presley in May 2022.
The reality TV star, who is married to William Lee-Kemp, discusses her life-changing experience in a powerful new BBC film featured on BBC's Morning Live daytime TV show. Opening up about her mental health journey, Jess confessed: "Since my mid-20s I've lived with depression and anxiety.
"I take medication which generally keeps it under control. However, a few days after I had my son Presley I developed depression in a way I'd never experienced before – it was debilitating, I couldn't enjoy anything with my new son and I wanted the world to stop so I could get off."
Jess delved into the subject during the segment and talked with other women who have endured the trials of postnatal depression. NHS Inform indicates that one in five women face mental health issues, including depression or anxiety, either while pregnant or in the first postnatal year, reports Devon Live.
She also sheds light on the uncertainty she faced regarding antidepressants during her pregnancy. She said: "It was quite a grey area when I was pregnant, about the medication that I'm on, whether I should come off it when I'm pregnant."
The TV presenter said: "Having a baby is wonderful but also tough for many people. But knowing where to turn for support has helped me feel better prepared if I decide to have another child."
The film, produced by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, was shown on Morning Live on Friday at 9.30am on BBC One. It is available on the BBC iPlayer.
