Dax Shepard Opens Up About Supporting Wife Kristen Bell’s Battles with Depression
Hollywood powerhouse couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are known for their open and honest discussions about family life, including their journey with mental health. In a recent episode of his popular podcast, "Armchair Expert," Shepard candidly discussed how he supports his wife during challenging episodes of depression.
"Kristen has depression," Shepard revealed, detailing his wife’s experience during a conversation with guest Anna Kendrick. Unlike depression triggered by specific events, Bell’s struggle manifests in cyclical waves.
"It’s not like she has a specific thing. She’ll just have a wave of it," Shepard explained. "She’ll sleep a lot and there’s nothing I can do or nor do I think I should do."
For Shepard, recognizing the stages of his wife’s depression has become almost second nature. He paints a poignant picture of Bell during these times:
"She’s gonna sleep a lot for awhile, and then she’s gonna come out of it. Now earlier on, that used to scare me. And I was like, ‘Is this gonna be forever?’
Shepard’s experience highlights the challenges faced by loved ones of those battling depression. Initially, he struggled with uncertainty and fear, but over time, he learned to navigate these episodes with understanding and compassion.
"I’ve gone through the cycle enough now that I know she’s going to organize for a couple days really, really intensely, and then she’s gonna sleep a lot for a few days, and then it’s gonna be over," he said.
Shepard actively seeks ways to contribute to Bell’s well-being during these periods. Instead of trying to "fix" the situation, which he says was once his instinct, he now focuses on offering gentle support.
"I will gently be like, ‘Hey, love. Have you checked in with your psychiatrist lately? I’m not saying you need to do anything. Just like, have you checked in with your psychiatrist?’"
He also emphasizes the importance of shared activities and encourages Bell to get moving.
"One thing I’ll still do, and she likes this, and it doesn’t trigger [her] feeling judged about being sad, is [saying] let’s go for a walk or let’s go for a hike," Shepard explained. "Like, just encouraging, let’s go move around."
This approach reflects Shepard’s understanding of Bell’s need for autonomy while offering a supportive and encouraging presence. Their open dialogue about mental health continues to inspire and help normalize conversations about depression, encouraging others to seek support and maintain healthy communication within their relationships.
