Smash-hit singer/songwriter Adele has made a startling revelation about motherhood.
In a recent interview with glossy magazine Vanity Fair, the star revealed that she suffered postnatal depression after the birth of her son, Angelo, in 2012.
She mentioned she's afraid of having a second child because of the depression she experienced with her firstborn.
She also admitted how terrified she was and how she was reluctant to speak to anyone about it, but her partner Simon Konecki encouraged her to speak to her friends who are also mothers. It was here where she felt safe enough to speak out.
Many women are beginning to step up and share their experiences about PND. Recently Helen Zille's autobiography was released and in the book, she details how she suffered and struggled as a new mom.
A few Parent24 readers shared their journeys as well, where a reader didn't know just how long depression could last for and another confessed how the experience of having a baby is not always sunshine and roses.
The Daily Mail reports Adele mentions how inadequate she felt and she wondered if she had made the worst decision of her life, but even though this was the case, her postnatal depression wasn't like that of most.
She says she became obsessed with her child and didn't want to harm him or be without him.
After speaking to friends, who are also mothers, Adele realised she needed to take time out for herself, and even though she feels guilty about it at times, she now understands it's necessary and important.
In a previous interview she mentioned she was really happy, especially since she had become a mother, and she no longer wanted to write sad, emotional songs. But she still felt tremendous amounts of guilt about going back to work and leaving her son.
She gives a lot of credit to her partner, Konecki, for helping her get through such a tough time in her life and their relationship and for his unwavering support.
Also read: Helen Zille on postnatal depression: "How could having a baby be so hard?"
Also read: Bigger than the baby blues
Also read: The motherhood blues
Do you feel like you might be experiencing postnatal depression or do you know of someone who may be struggling? Contact the Post Natal Depression Support Association or the Perinatal Mental Health Project for more information and advice.