Reality star Jen Affleck is earning widespread praise for her raw honesty about experiencing “postpartum blues” during her demanding ‘Dancing With the Stars’ journey, sparking vital conversations around maternal mental health.
In a powerful display of vulnerability and resilience, ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ star Jen Affleck has captivated audiences and sparked crucial conversations by openly addressing her “postpartum blues” while competing on ‘Dancing With the Stars’. The 26-year-old mom of three, who welcomed her third baby, Penelope, in July 2025, has demonstrated immense strength balancing an intense dance schedule, motherhood, and reality television filming just eight weeks postpartum.
A Vulnerable Moment Goes Viral
The conversation began with a heartfelt TikTok video shared by Affleck on October 25, 2025. The clip showed her sitting on a couch in a ‘Dancing With the Stars’ rehearsal space, visibly down. On-screen text read, “POV: the postpartum blues start to creep in.” Her professional partner, Jan Ravnik, approached her, offering his hand and inviting her to dance to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” As she joined him, the caption shifted to a defiant, inspiring message: “Depression can’t hit a moving target.”
This raw moment resonated deeply, quickly flooding social media with praise for her transparency. Fans celebrated her honesty, acknowledging the immense challenge of competing on national television so soon after childbirth.
The Power of Movement and Community
Affleck elaborated on the therapeutic aspect of dancing, telling People magazine, “I think if I didn’t have Dancing With the Stars, I’d probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression.” This statement highlights the personal benefits she found in pushing through her physical and emotional challenges.
Her journey underscores a critical public health issue. Postpartum depression diagnosis rates increased from 9.4% in 2010 to 19% in 2021, yet less than 20% of women are screened for it. Celebrities like Affleck openly discussing their struggles significantly reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
You can see the impactful TikTok video here:
Balancing Act: DWTS, Motherhood, and Reality TV
Jen Affleck’s schedule is exceptionally demanding. She splits her time between Los Angeles for DWTS and Utah for filming ‘Mormon Wives’ Season 4. She manages three young children: Luca (age 2), Nora (age 3), and newborn Penelope. Despite the chaos, her husband, Zac Affleck, provides unwavering support, decorating her trailer with encouraging fan messages and surprising her with flowers.
The physical toll of competition so soon after childbirth is not lost on Affleck. She candidly admitted her body still hurts from recovery and even joked about whether her “pelvic floor is ready” for dancing. Yet, her determination to push through weekly choreography and competition continues to inspire viewers, who see their own struggles reflected in her honesty.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Affleck shared her ongoing struggles with body image postpartum. “Because, I think, just being freshly postpartum, I still struggle with body image and I think all of us women do, especially after having a baby. So any compliments that we get, we’re just like, ‘Man, [that] means a lot.’” This sentiment resonated deeply with many new mothers.
Fan Support and Peer Perspectives
The fan community has rallied intensely around Jen Affleck. Comments on her posts laud her as a “queen” for competing postpartum and many believe she is “way underscored” by the judges. This outpouring of support emphasizes the importance of community in navigating mental health challenges.
Fellow celebrities have also weighed in on Affleck’s incredible feat. Actress Maya Rudolph and Kylie Kelce, who recently welcomed her fourth daughter, discussed Affleck’s ability to compete just nine weeks after giving birth on Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast. Kelce even jokingly wondered, “Has anyone done a welfare check on her?” highlighting the sheer impressiveness of Affleck’s commitment.
Affleck has also been open about experiencing “mom guilt,” a common feeling among mothers. She told Us Weekly after her Disney Week dance, “Whether I was doing Dancing With the Stars or not, mom guilt would still be there, and it will always be there. That’s definitely a sign you’re a good mom because you’re trying your best, and you want to be better every single day — for them, for yourself, for everyone.”
The Impact of Her DWTS Journey
Currently competing in the top nine of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 34, Jen Affleck continues to impress with her work ethic. Her partner, Jan Ravnik, has been widely praised for his supportive role, uplifting her both mentally and physically. This partnership not only aims for the coveted Mirrorball trophy but also serves as a powerful model of healthy support systems for new parents.
Affleck’s openness changes the narrative around postpartum mental health, particularly for mothers who might suffer in silence due to stigma. As she told Us Weekly, her DWTS rehearsals have been “humbling” given her postpartum recovery, yet she persists, embodying the idea that mental health struggles don’t define one’s worth or prevent the pursuit of dreams.
Her story is a testament to the fact that speaking up creates space for others to do the same, making her journey on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ impactful far beyond the ballroom.
