We don’t often get a behind-the-scenes look at how celebrities deal with the emotional fallout from divorce, which is all the more reason to applaud former Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria for having the courage to open up about her bout with depression following her 2011 divorce from husband and NBA superstar, Tony Parker.
During an appearance on the popular Dr Oz Show, the 38 year-old recounted her experience:
“I didn’t know I was depressed. I mean, I knew it was a sad moment in my life, but I wouldn’t categorize myself as depressed. I’m not that, I’m an optimist about life. Life didn’t work, moving on. I’m fine.”
She lost her appetite following the couple’s separation, Longoria explained. “That’s probably the time I got the most compliments because I was so skinny. I was not eating. I was depressed. I was sad. My diet was coffee. So people kept saying, ‘You look amazing. Divorce agrees with you,’ And I was like, ‘I don’t feel good. I have no energy’.”
Longoria and Parker were married in 2007, but Longoria filed for divorce three years later in November 2010, citing irreconcilable differences as her grounds for divorce. The split was finalized the following year.
The actress is certainly not alone in her experience. Some studies estimate that as many as 1 in 5 people who divorce will go on to experience depression or a down mood in reaction to their marriage ending, with women more likely than men to to admit they’re feeling blue.
Are you depressed? According to National Institute for Mental Health, symptoms of the mood disorder include:
– Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
– Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
– Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
– Irritability, restlessness
– Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
– Fatigue and decreased energy
– Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
– Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
– Overeating, or appetite loss
– Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
– Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
Taking yourself, including your mental health, may be more important when you are going through a divorce. If you are experiencing any of the above, we encourage you to seek help from your doctor. Other helpful resources available on our site include:
“How to Find a Divorce Therapist”
“Divorce Recovery Guide”