Ashley Tisdale Opens Up About Postpartum Depression and Marriage Struggles

Ashley Tisdale has opened up about her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, revealing that the difficult period put significant strain on her marriage to Christopher French.

The 41-year-old actress discussed her experience during the first episode of French’s new podcast, Recovering. Tisdale said she struggled with postpartum depression after welcoming her first daughter, Jupiter, now 5.

During the conversation, Tisdale recalled trying to divorce French “so many times” while dealing with the condition.

The High School Musical star said she had previously learned ways to manage her anxiety and believed she was emotionally prepared for motherhood. However, postpartum depression made it difficult for her to rely on those coping strategies.

Tisdale also described experiencing intense anxiety during that period. She recalled nearly having a panic attack while sitting in traffic.

She said she was not diagnosed with postpartum depression until Jupiter was 2.

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“I was like, ‘What? How did you not know to tell me this?’” Tisdale said during the podcast, according to PEOPLE.

A Different Experience With Her Second Child

Tisdale later welcomed her second daughter, Emerson, now 2. She said her postpartum experience after Emerson’s birth was less severe.

The actress described the second experience as different because she did not face the same symptoms she had experienced following Jupiter’s birth.

Tisdale’s account highlights how postpartum mental health challenges can vary between pregnancies and childbirth experiences.

Christopher French Recalls Supporting His Wife

French, a composer, also spoke about how he supported Tisdale during her postpartum depression.

He said he took on household responsibilities, including washing dishes and cleaning bottles. He also handled nighttime duties for a period while Tisdale worked through the experience.

French said being present, patient and supportive was important during his wife’s recovery.

He also encouraged partners supporting someone with postpartum depression to seek support for themselves. He said doing so can help partners remain patient and understanding during a difficult period.

Tisdale and French have been married since 2014 and share two daughters.