Jen Affleck opens up about postpartum blues during DWTS as she films Mormon Wives Season 4

Jen Affleck opened up about struggling with postpartum blues while competing on Dancing with the Stars. The 26-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is balancing an intense dance schedule, motherhood, and reality television filming. Her honesty about mental health resonates with millions navigating similar journeys. She’s not just performing on the ABC ballroom—she’s changing conversations about postpartum wellness.

What Jen Revealed About Postpartum Mental Health

The TikTok star shared a vulnerable moment on October 25. In a video posted to her account, she showed the real struggle. The caption read “POV: the postpartum blues start to creep in.” In the clip, she sat unmotivated while her partner Jan Ravnik danced to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.”

But then something shifted. Ravnik convinced her to join him. They danced together as she captioned the moment differently: “Depression can’t hit a moving target.” Her honesty sparked an outpouring of fan support.

“I think if I didn’t have Dancing with the Stars, I’d probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression.”

— Jen Affleck, to People Magazine

She’s not alone in this experience. Postpartum depression diagnosis rates increased from 9.4% in 2010 to 19% in 2021. Yet less than 20% of women are screened for it. Celebrity openness about mental health helps normalize these conversations.

Balancing DWTS, Motherhood, and Mormon Wives Season 4

Jen’s schedule is genuinely demanding. She splits her time between Los Angeles and Utah. This week alone meant DWTS rehearsals with Ravnik collided with filming Mormon Wives Season 4 scenes. She manages three children: Luca (age 2), Nora (age 3), and newborn Penelope.

Despite the chaos, Jen’s attitude remains grounded. She told PEOPLE that family priorities matter most. She spends downtime with her kids and her supportive husband Zac. He even decorated her DWTS trailer with hundreds of encouraging fan messages. Zac also surprised her with flowers after performances.

The physical toll is real. Jen admitted her body still hurts from childbirth recovery. She joked about whether her “pelvic floor is ready” for dancing. Yet she continues pushing through weekly choreography and competition. This determination inspires viewers who see their own struggles reflected.

The Mental Health Message Celebrities Are Sending

Jen’s candor joins a crucial conversation. Other celebrities like Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, and Jenna Dewan have spoken about postpartum depression. Their openness reduces stigma around seeking help. Mental health professionals note that 80% of new parents experience some baby blues. Most recover naturally, but 1 in 5 women develop clinical postpartum depression.

Celebrities normalizing this reality changes outcomes. Women listen to famous figures more than doctors sometimes. When Jen Affleck says “depression can’t hit a moving target,” she’s validating both struggle and resilience. Movement helps. Community helps. And speaking up definitely helps.

The 2025 Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week emphasized community support. Jen’s journey demonstrates this principle in real time. She’s not pretending to be perfect. She’s showing up authentically.

What’s Next for Jen on DWTS and Beyond

Season 34 continues through November 25, 2025. Jen is competing in the top nine. She performs alongside other standout dancers including Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, and fellow Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt. Each week brings different themes and musical choices. Wicked Night just wrapped up.

Ravnik continues praising her work ethic. Audiences vote for their favorites each week. The Mirror Ball Trophy remains the ultimate goal. But perhaps more importantly, Jen is raising awareness about postpartum mental health.

Meanwhile, Mormon Wives Season 4 cameras roll in Utah. Production happens simultaneously with DWTS rehearsals. Jen manages both commitments without backing down. She’s also appearing on Hulu with her season 4 storyline already filming.

Why Jen’s Story Matters Right Now?

Postpartum depression often goes unrecognized and untreated. Women suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of screening. But when someone like Jen Affleck—followed by 1.3 million on social media—speaks openly, it changes the narrative.

Her partnership with Jan Ravnik models healthy support systems. Her husband Zac actively encourages and celebrates her. Her mother danced with her during Dedication Night. Community matters for recovery. Movement matters. Professional help matters.

Will watching Jen stick to the DWTS dance floor help other postpartum mothers? Absolutely. She’s proving that mental health struggles don’t define your worth. They don’t prevent you from pursuing dreams. And speaking about them creates space for others to do the same. That’s powerful television beyond the competition itself.

Sources

• Us Weekly – Exclusive interview on Jen Affleck’s postpartum struggles during DWTS rehearsals
• People Magazine – Comprehensive coverage of Jen filming Mormon Wives Season 4 during DWTS season
• Mental Health Policy Center – 2025 postpartum depression statistics and maternal mental health data

Similar posts:

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.