Kris Bernal admitted to experiencing postpartum depression a year after giving birth to her daughter Hailee Lucca.
Hailee turned a year old last August 23.
Read: Kris Bernal proud to save lives through her breast milk
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), she talked about her struggles and adjustments from being a full-on career woman to a first-time mom.
"Oh my gosh, ang hirap," she exclaimed.
Elaborating, "It's the identity loss. May mga times talaga na I can no longer recognize myself.
"Parang I'm craving for my old self. My old grind. Being in the biz. Being in the limelight.
"Nasa bahay lang ako. Stop ako. Because yun nga, I'm breastfeeding. And also because I'm nurturing my child."
During her single years up to pre-pregnancy, Kris was used to juggling her actress hat with being an entrepreneur.
She had her own make-up line SHE cosmetics and Korean restaurant House of Gogi.
Read: 23 Female Celebrities, Social Media Personalities with Beauty Businesses
When asked how she is managing her businesses, she replied, "Wala na lahat. When I gave birth, I gave up all my businesses including House of Gogi.
"I couldn't handle everything na talaga. Hindi ko na ma-handle yung sarili ko. Hindi ko na ma-handle yung businesses ko.
"Parang, I really had a hard time adjusting to my new life."
Describing what she went through, Kris candidly explained, "Nagkaroon ako ng depression, e Kasi, talagang wala!
"Tulala ako. Shocked ako. Hindi ko naiintindihan what's happening sa buhay ko. Bakit biglang ganito?
"Until now, I can say na I'm still at the postpartum stage. Hindi pa talaga akong totally, naka-move on sa adjustment na ito.
"Siyempre wala akong ginagawang trabaho ngayon, and then, hindi pa ako active sa social media."
At this point in her life, she said she finally understands what sacrifices mothers do for their children.
"Grabe. Hindi ko akalain na ganito pala ako as a mom, na all-out pala ako.
"Pag nandun ka na pala talaga, parang natural, it comes out.
"Naibibigay ko talaga yung boost ko. Dahil lahat ng oras mo, lahat ng energy mo, lahat ng ganda mo.
"Alam mo yun? Wala ka na. Mauubos ka talaga," she reflected.
KRIS BERNAL'S REWARDS AS A MOTHER
On the other hand, Kris pointed out that being a hands-on mom is also a priceless experience for her.
"Kasi sabi nga nila, mabilis lumaki yung baby. So cherish it. Huwag ako magmadali to go back to work. Kasi mabilis lang iyan. Kaya hindi pa talaga ako mabalik sa trabaho."
She said she doesn't want to miss her baby's milestones.
Talking about the joys of motherhood, Kris continued: "Like ngayon, naglalakad na siya. She already recognizes me as her mom.
"At saka yung when she wakes up ikaw yung unang hinahanap niya. Nakangiti siya sa iyo.
"Happy. Parang I'm the world of my daughter. And she's also my world."
Kris got help for her baby just recently, but she said she's still hands on with taking care of Hailee.
"Actually, nagseselos din ako pag nakikita ko nagiging close siya [Hailee] sa yaya kaysa sa akin.
"Gusto ko siya iwan sa yaya dahil ang dami kong kailangan gawin, but at the same time, nagseselos naman ako pag away ako from her.
"I just wanna balance everything."
Read: 15 celebrities with Filipino-Chinese blood
KRIS BERNAL ON SELF-CARE
PEP interviewed Kris on the sidelines of the media launch of atelier Debbie Co's boutique Prêt-á-porter, which houses her first ever ready-to-wear collection.
Held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Powerplant Mall in Makati City, Kris showed up in a floral dress created by Debbie.
Describing her look, she said it perfectly matched her personal style.
"Being dainty, being cute, and sweet. Ganun yung mga designs niya, e. Lalo na ito, florals, favorites ko iyan.
"And also, gustung-gusto ko yung intricacy ng mga details and the textures.
"Na-love ko si Debbie kasi talaga yung mga damit niya, it's so me. It's ultra feminine, very elegant, and one of a kind.
"Na-discover ko siya sa mother-in-law ko recently."
Dressing up for the occasion was her simple way of spending a much-deserved me-time moment.
"I realized how important din is self-care for me.
"Kasi kapag wala, talagang mentally exhausted talaga ako. Physically exhausted ako. Very draining din talaga."
KRIS BERNAL ON HUSBAND PERRY CHOI
Kris also shared that her entrepreneur husband Perry Choi has been very understanding of her mood swings.
"Talagang ibibigay niya yung kailangan mo. At saka, mag-uusap talaga kami, 'Anong problema mo? Bakit ka malungkot? Bakit ka umiiyak?'
"Kasi, naikita niya talaga umiiyak ako. Pagod ako. Buong gabi, gising ako. Hindi ako nakatulog kasi, isip ako nang isip, kasi nga ina-attack ako ng anxiousness.
"He was the one who really helped me cope with postpartum."
Their family just had a vacation in the U.S. where Kris owns a multi-million-peso property.
Read: How Kris Bernal saved up for a house in the U.S.
Smiling, Kris said, "It was over a month. It was just a vacation. We also visited our house [in West Covina, California].
"It's been a long time since I was there. Parang 2016 pa ata the last time I was there to visit our house.
"Pero finally I had the time. And I was able to bring my baby to the U.S. and show her her house as well.
"It was a very quiet and peaceful experience."
