Hayden Panettiere has checked into a treatment facility for battling postpartum depression following the birth of her first child, Kaya, her rep confirms to Us Weekly.
“Hayden Panettiere is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression. She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time,” a statement read to Us on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The Nashville star has been vocal about battling postpartum depression since becoming a first-time mom with fiance Wladimir Klitschko in December 2014.
"I can very much relate. It's something a lot of women experience. When [you’re told] about postpartum depression you think it’s ‘I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child.' I’ve never, ever had those feelings," Panettiere, 26, said during an appearance on Live! With Kelly and Michael last month. "Some women do. But you don’t realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It’s something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone, and that it does heal."
Panettiere’s character, Juliette Barnes, on the hit ABC show is also suffering from extreme postpartum depression.
"Feeling like I'm #finally coming back in to my own body! mother #daughter #blessing #wellworthit," she tweeted on Saturday, Oct. 10.
