Gellar opens up

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar is using her battle with postpartum depression to shed light on issues in the U.S. healthcare system.

The mother of two took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a candid post about struggling with the disorder after the birth of her first child, Charlotte.

“Having kids is wonderful, and life changing, and rarely what you’re prepared for,” the

star wrote. “I love my children more than anything in the world. But like a lot of women, I too struggled with postpartum depression after my first baby was born.”

The 40-year-old opened up about seeking treatment for the illness and offered words of encouragement for mothers facing similar setbacks. She also urged others to fight the limited healthcare coverage bill being touted in the U.S. Senate by reaching out to Members of Congress who can ensure mothers get the medical funding they need to be well.

“I got help, and made it through, and every day since has been the best giftIcouldeverhaveaskedfor,”Geller said. “To those of you going through this, know that you’re not alone and that it really does get better. And if you believe that postpartum depression should be covered by health care, please take a moment and go to callmycongress.com today, find your rep’s numbers and let them know. #NotAPreExistingCondition.”

In addition to seven-year-old Charlotte, the actress and her husband Freddie Prinze Jr. are also parents to four-year-old son Rocky.