Bryce Dallas Howard Beat Post-Partum Depression

Bryce Dallas Howard plays bad vampire Victoria in the smash hit New Moon, but it wasn't so long ago that she was in a very dark place.

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Howard fought post-partum depression for a year-and-a-half. After delivering her son, Theo, in February 2007, Howard "felt nothing" and could hardly recall giving birth. She even called Theo "It" instead of by his name.

"I definitely felt I was a rotten mother -- not a bad one, a rotton one," says the 29-year-old actress. "The truth was, every time I looked at my son, I wanted to disappear."

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Howard's husband, Seth Gabel, sent her to a therapist who diagnosed her with severe post-partum depression.

"Post-partum depression is hard to describe -- the way the body and mind and spirit fracture and crumble in the wake of what most believe should be a celebratory time.

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While Howard wishes she had never endured post-partum depression, she acknowledges that the experience is part of who she is. She was fortunate to have loved ones who stood by her, and reminds other mothers "that we must never be afraid to ask for help."

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