Whitney Cummings Shares Her Triumph Over Postpartum Depression
Whitney Cummings Sheds Light on Her Brutal Postpartum Depression Journey
Comedian and podcaster Whitney Cummings is speaking out about her harrowing experience with postpartum depression, which she's been battling for nearly 21 months since giving birth to her son Henry. In an exclusive interview on TODAY with Jenna & Friends, the 43-year-old funnywoman revealed that she's finally starting to feel like herself again.
"I'm excited to be here today because I feel like I've made it out of the woods when it comes to postpartum depression," Cummings announced with a hint of relief. "Before you have a kid, people always say it's supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But let me tell you, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Postpartum depression is real, and it's debilitating."
Cummings, who turned 43 on Thursday, candidly shared her struggles with the condition, which she described as feeling like "a catatonic stupor." She confessed that even simple tasks seemed overwhelming, and she often found herself in a state of confusion. "I was in a dark place, and I didn't know how to get out," she admitted.
The Good for You podcaster revealed that her symptoms were so severe that she had trouble recalling why she made certain decisions. "I named this tour 'Big Baby Tour' during my postpartum depression, and I have no idea why I did it," she joked. However, the humor helped her cope with the stress and anxiety.
One year ago, Cummings took a significant step towards healing when she appeared on CBS' reboot of Hollywood Squares. Competing alongside other celebrities, she found solace in seeing working mothers who were having fun. "It was a big healing moment for me," she shared. "I think I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect, and that show helped me release that expectation."
Cummings has been open about her insecurities as a new mother, particularly when it came to her mental health. She confessed that she felt anxious about not being able to perform well on stage or being laughed at by her audience. However, after competing on Hollywood Squares, she gained the confidence to take risks and pursue her passions without fear of failure.
The 5ft10in comedian also shared a humorous anecdote about going bald during postpartum depression. "My hairline moved back two inches, my gums started bleeding when I brushed my teeth, and my ankles looked like a map of the New York subway," she quipped. However, she reassured fans that these changes were temporary and part of her postpartum journey.
Cummings has been keeping busy with her Big Baby Tour, which is scheduled to hit The Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT this Friday. As for her personal life, the Washington, DC native celebrated her birthday with cake, presents, and a Taylor Swift red lipstick (from Pat McGrath Labs) gifted by her gal pal, Whitney Casey.
On a more lighthearted note, Cummings shared that she attended a football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly where her beloved Dallas Cowboys lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20. However, she got a birthday serenade from the resident cheerleaders, which she sweetly mentioned on Instagram: "Birthdays are embarrassing but I'm really trying here... Sept 4 is also Beyonce's birthday and for my birthday all I want is for her to have a good birthday."
TheScholarlyNote.com spoke with Cummings' team, who confirmed that the comedian is eager to use her platform to raise awareness about postpartum depression. "Whitney wants people to know that it's okay to not be okay," they shared. "She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel less alone and more empowered to seek help."
As Cummings continues on her healing journey, fans are eager to see the return of their favorite comedian. With her wit, humor, and vulnerability, Whitney Cummings is an inspiration to many, proving that even in the darkest moments, there's always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
