Hayden Panettiere Takes 'Nashville' Leave of Absence During Postpartum Depression Treatment
Nashville," following confirmation that the actress has sought treatment for postpartum depression.
A report from Page Six says that Panettiere will "temporarily step away from her role" on the country music soap, and the "production will work around her" while she's checked into a rehab facility. It's unclear just how long the actress will be away, though the show made similar accommodations for her last season while she was pregnant, and after she gave birth to her 10-month-old daughter, Kaya, who she shares with fiance Wladimir Klitschko.
Panettiere's rep revealed last week that the actress "is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression." The actress, who gave birth in December 2014, recently opened up about her own struggles with PPD, which her "Nashville" character, Juliette, also dealt with this season and last.
"It's something a lot of women experience," Panettiere said in an interview with "Live! With Kelly and Michael" last month. "When [you're told] about postpartum depression you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child' — I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do. But you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."
According to People, Panettiere's "Nashville" storyline is pure coincidence, and was "planned and started playing out long before" the 26-year-old star gave birth. The series is currently in the midst of production on season four.
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