At six weeks pregnant, Courtney Stodden is positively glowing. But looks can be deceiving. “I suffer from depression,” the expectant reality star tells Us Weekly. And her symptoms have worsened since her pregnancy began.
“My depression affects my appetite, sleeping patterns and overall perspective on life,” Stodden tell Us. “At times, I have severe insomnia and other times I find myself sleeping too much. I have feelings of hopelessness but experience many moments of absolute euphoria.”
She isn’t alone: According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, between 14 to 23 percent of pregnant women struggle with prenatal depression.
The 21-year-old — who is expecting her first child with husband Doug Hutchison, 55, — confirmed her baby news exclusively to Us on May 16.
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“I already love this baby so much,” says Stodden. “I just fear the thought of motherhood. It’s such an overwhelming responsibility and I want to be the very best mommy that I can possibly be.”
Stodden — who currently takes Xanax to manage her anxiety — has also found comfort in writing. “I’m working on a self-help book called Blonde & Blue,” she reveals. “It’s an explicit in-depth account of my saddest, darkest moments as well as my highs … My hope is by being painfully honest, my story can inspire others.”
The mom-to-be and Lost actor Hutchison tied the knot on May 20, 2011, when she was just 16 years old. They appeared on Couples Therapy in 2012 and briefly split in November 2013 before reuniting in August 2014. This will be the first child for both.
