Content Warning: This article touches on the topic of post-natal depression which may be triggering for some readers.
Jessica Rowe is known for being exceptionally candid with her fans. Deeming herself a ‘Crap Housewife,’ never shying away from the realities of parenting, and being a firm advocate for mental health, the former Studio 10 star isn’t afraid to keep things real.
Now, the beloved presenter has opened up about one of her most personal experiences.
Jessica Rowe has spoken candidly about her post-natal depression.
(Image: Instagram)Appearing on Turia Pitt’s podcast, Turia Pitt is Hard Work, Jess candidly reflected on her journey of post-natal depression which she described as her “rock bottom”.
“I thought, ‘I have to ask for help, I cannot keep going like this because I don’t know what might happen next’,” she told Turia.
What happened next, Jess described as the “hardest conversation of (her) life” with her husband Peter Overton – with whom she shares two girls, Allegra and Giselle.
“He said: ‘Pussycat (his nickname for Jess), I’m so proud of you. You’re doing so well and it’s all so good’.”
Jess spoke about the personal experience with podcaster Turia Pitt.
(Image: Instagram)She continued: ” I thought, ‘now’s my chance’, so I took a deep breath and I said: ‘Petey, I’m not. I’m really frightened that I have post-natal depression’.
“And then Petey, being the beautiful man that he is, took me into his arms and he said to me: ‘It’s going to be ok’.”
This is by no means the first time the 52-year-old has opened up about her mental health struggles.
WATCH: Jess Rowe discusses her experience with post-natal depression. Article continues after video
In a 2021 interview with our sister publication WHO, the podcaster advocated for nurturing your mental wellbeing.
“If you’re not OK you can’t look after anyone else,” Jess said simply. “I think, especially women, we’re so busy looking after everyone else we can forget about ourselves and it’s so important to check in.”
“I know with myself I had post-natal depression after the birth of both of my daughters,” Jess said. “I got help, I went on antidepressants, since then I’ve had episodes of anxiety and depression and I’ll go back on my medication.”
Jess shares two daughters, Allegra and Giselle, with Peter.
(Image: Getty)The presenter added that she has come to terms with the fact that she is “still a work in progress”.
“I think, for all of us, it’s important that you’re open to that. There’s no shame in going to see your GP, getting a mental health plan, talking to an expert.
“I still take antidepressants and I’ve got no shame in telling people that because it helps me. I want to be my best self and that helps me do that.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
