The list is endless when it comes down to Serena Williams and her bouts with depression throughout her career.

Williams acknowledged that depression interfered with her career multiple times, including in 2015 when she took a break to recover from depression and knee injuries—to most recently shared how she pushed through postpartum depression, which she has renamed “Postpartum Emotions,” after the birth of her daughter, Alexis.

Williams shared an Instagram post in August 2018, where she disclosed how she read several articles on postpartum depression and even questioned whether she was a good mother to her daughter.

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

“Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom,” Williams wrote. “I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.”

Williams concluded her post by stating that it is normal to feel that she wasn’t doing enough as a mother because all mothers have been through that and all mothers are heroes.

“It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby. We have all been there. I work a lot, I train, and I’m trying to be the best athlete I can be,” Williams said. “However, that means although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be. Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes.”

The following year, Williams confessed that she started seeing a therapist after losing the 2018 U.S. Open; coincidentally, Williams lost to Osaka that year.

“Days passed, and I still couldn’t find peace. I started seeing a therapist. I was searching for answers, and although I felt like I was making progress, I still wasn’t ready to pick up a racket,” Williams said. “Finally I realized that there was only one way for me to move forward. It was time for me to apologize to the person who deserved it the most.”

Simone Manuel

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