Jen Affleck<\/b> opened up about struggling with postpartum blues<\/b> while competing on Dancing with the Stars<\/b>. The 26-year-old<\/b> star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives<\/b> is balancing an intense dance schedule, motherhood, and reality television filming. Her honesty about mental health resonates with millions navigating similar journeys. She\u2019s not just performing on the ABC ballroom<\/b>\u2014she\u2019s changing conversations about postpartum wellness.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts:<\/p>\n The TikTok star<\/b> shared a vulnerable moment on October 25<\/b>. In a video posted to her account, she showed the real struggle. The caption read \u201cPOV: the postpartum blues start to creep in.\u201d<\/b> In the clip, she sat unmotivated while her partner Jan Ravnik<\/b> danced to Donna Summer\u2019s \u201cLast Dance.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n But then something shifted. Ravnik<\/b> convinced her to join him. They danced together as she captioned the moment differently: \u201cDepression can\u2019t hit a moving target.\u201d<\/b> Her honesty sparked an outpouring of fan support.<\/p>\n \u201cI think if I didn\u2019t have Dancing with the Stars, I\u2019d probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Jen Affleck<\/b>, to People Magazine<\/p>\n She\u2019s not alone in this experience. Postpartum depression diagnosis rates<\/b> increased from 9.4% in 2010<\/b> to 19% in 2021.<\/b> Yet less than 20% of women<\/b> are screened for it. Celebrity openness about mental health helps normalize these conversations.<\/p>\n Jen\u2019s<\/b> schedule is genuinely demanding. She splits her time between Los Angeles<\/b> and Utah<\/b>. This week alone meant DWTS<\/b> rehearsals with Ravnik<\/b> collided with filming Mormon Wives Season 4<\/b> scenes. She manages three children: Luca<\/b> (age 2), Nora<\/b> (age 3), and newborn Penelope.<\/b><\/p>\n Despite the chaos, Jen\u2019s<\/b> attitude remains grounded. She told PEOPLE<\/b> that family priorities matter most. She spends downtime with her kids and her supportive husband Zac.<\/b> He even decorated her DWTS<\/b> trailer with hundreds of encouraging fan messages. Zac<\/b> also surprised her with flowers after performances.<\/p>\n The physical toll is real. Jen<\/b> admitted her body still hurts from childbirth recovery. She joked about whether her \u201cpelvic floor is ready\u201d for dancing. Yet she continues pushing through weekly choreography and competition. This determination inspires viewers who see their own struggles reflected.<\/p>\n Jen\u2019s<\/b> candor joins a crucial conversation. Other celebrities like Cardi B<\/b>, Kylie Jenner<\/b>, and Jenna Dewan<\/b> have spoken about postpartum depression. Their openness reduces stigma around seeking help. Mental health professionals<\/b> note that 80% of new parents<\/b> experience some baby blues. Most recover naturally, but 1 in 5 women<\/b> develop clinical postpartum depression.<\/p>\n Celebrities normalizing this reality changes outcomes. Women listen to famous figures more than doctors sometimes. When Jen Affleck<\/b> says \u201cdepression can\u2019t hit a moving target,\u201d<\/b> she\u2019s validating both struggle and resilience. Movement helps. Community helps. And speaking up definitely helps.<\/p>\n The 2025 Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week<\/b> emphasized community support. Jen\u2019s<\/b> journey demonstrates this principle in real time. She\u2019s not pretending to be perfect. She\u2019s showing up authentically.<\/p>\n Season 34 continues through November 25, 2025.<\/b> Jen is competing in the top nine.<\/b> She performs alongside other standout dancers including Jordan Chiles<\/b>, Robert Irwin<\/b>, and fellow Mormon Wives<\/b> star Whitney Leavitt.<\/b> Each week brings different themes and musical choices. Wicked Night<\/b> just wrapped up.<\/p>\n Ravnik<\/b> continues praising her work ethic. Audiences vote for their favorites each week. The Mirror Ball Trophy<\/b> remains the ultimate goal. But perhaps more importantly, Jen<\/b> is raising awareness about postpartum mental health.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Mormon Wives Season 4<\/b> cameras roll in Utah.<\/b> Production happens simultaneously with DWTS<\/b> rehearsals. Jen<\/b> manages both commitments without backing down. She\u2019s also appearing on Hulu<\/b> with her season 4 storyline already filming.<\/p>\n Postpartum depression<\/b> often goes unrecognized and untreated. Women suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of screening. But when someone like Jen Affleck<\/b>\u2014followed by 1.3 million<\/b> on social media\u2014speaks openly, it changes the narrative.<\/p>\n Her partnership with Jan Ravnik<\/b> models healthy support systems. Her husband Zac<\/b> actively encourages and celebrates her. Her mother danced with her during Dedication Night.<\/b> Community matters for recovery. Movement matters. Professional help matters.<\/p>\n Will watching Jen<\/b> stick to the DWTS<\/b> dance floor help other postpartum mothers? Absolutely. She\u2019s proving that mental health struggles don\u2019t define your worth. They don\u2019t prevent you from pursuing dreams. And speaking about them creates space for others to do the same. That\u2019s powerful television beyond the competition itself.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s readers. Daniel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
What Jen Revealed About Postpartum Mental Health<\/h2>\n
Balancing DWTS, Motherhood, and Mormon Wives Season 4<\/h2>\n
The Mental Health Message Celebrities Are Sending<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s Next for Jen on DWTS and Beyond<\/h2>\n
Why Jen\u2019s Story Matters Right Now?<\/h2>\n
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