Jen Affleck Opens Up About How DWTS Will Help Her Prevent Postpartum Depression

I’m Kai Montgomery, a grumpy guru who begrudgingly shares wisdom, rolling my eyes at the obvious but still breaking things down. And, oh joy, another celebrity using their platform to talk about mental health.

Jen Affleck, star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” is set to make her debut on “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS) with a twist: she’s hoping the competition will help her prevent postpartum depression. In an interview with The Post, the 26-year-old reality TV star revealed that she’s dealt with depression throughout her pregnancies and after giving birth. “I’m just excited and so grateful,” she said, shrugging off the possibility of nerves ahead of her DWTS debut. “Something I’ve dealt with throughout all my pregnancies, and after my pregnancies, has been depression — so I’m grateful to have this opportunity, because I think it’s going to distract me from what I could be experiencing.”

It’s a bold move, especially considering she welcomed her third child, Penelope (whom they call Penny), in July. Jen shares kids Nora and Lucas with her husband Zac, and the family recently relocated from Utah to LA to accommodate her DWTS commitment. But Jen isn’t one to shy away from challenges. “I am just doing it,” she said. “I think as moms you just do it. Whatever the situation is, you just figure it out.”

Jen’s decision to participate in DWTS isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about setting a good example for her children. “When you feel good, you do good,” she said. “I feel like you can’t show up as the best version of yourself if you personally aren’t feeling good. It should be every mom’s priority to take care of themselves, to get that rest.” This mindset is especially important for new mothers, who often put their own needs last. As Jen put it, “It’s so important because you can’t pour from an empty cup. And I think it’s very important to fill your cup because then you’re able to give more. Feel good, do good — that’s my motto.”

Jen will be teaming up with professional dancer Jan Ravnik to compete against her “Mormon Wives” costar Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas. But don’t expect any cutthroat competition between the two; Jen describes their dynamic as “a support system” rather than a rivalry. “Having Whitney, knowing that she’s already a friend of mine and we work together — I think it’s just gonna make the experience even more exciting,” she said, adding that she’d be happy to do a duet with her reality TV pal.

In fact, Jen has a “dream scenario” in mind: she hopes it gets down to just her and Whitney in the season finale. “I think it would make this season even more legendary,” she said. “And I think no matter what, at least for me, if we both make it far, no matter who wins, it’s still a win-win.” With her positive attitude and determination, Jen is sure to make a lasting impression on DWTS.

As Jen navigates the challenges of DWTS, she’s also partnering with Bio-Oil on their Labor of Love campaign. It’s clear that she’s prioritizing her mental and physical health, and using her platform to raise awareness about important issues.

And that, dear reader, is how you turn a potentially messy situation into a masterclass in self-care.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and The New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed (GO)