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Reese Witherspoon Says Anxiety Drove Her Success, Opens Up About Depression and Menopause

She will receive Harper’s Bazaar’s Cultural Icon award this week.

Overview

  • In a Harper’s Bazaar UK cover interview, the 49-year-old describes being “rewarded” for perfectionism and says she is beginning to ease the pressure as she approaches 50.
  • She recounts severe postpartum depression after daughter Ava’s birth at 23, recalling constant tears, exhaustion and eventually seeking professional help.
  • Witherspoon says her depression began in her teens and notes a family history, citing her grandmother’s struggles and her mother’s warning about genetic risk.
  • She discusses menopause symptoms such as brain fog and memory lapses, crediting Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts with helping normalize women’s experiences.
  • The Hello Sunshine co-founder highlights ongoing producing work, including a Legally Blonde prequel and The Morning Show, and acknowledges her access to care that many women lack.