Tess Holliday Opens Up About Overcoming Challenges with Medical Marijuana and Therapy in a Tough Relationship

Tess Holliday Credits Medical Marijuana and Therapy In Helping Her Push Through Dark Relationship

Tess Holliday VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Tess Holliday has left her toxic marriage behind, but she acknowledges that she didn't do it all by herself.

In an exclusive interview with We, the 38-year-old opened up about the challenging end of her marriage to Nick Holliday in 2019.

"It was really tough to get through," she confessed. "It was a really dark period in my life, and there are parts of it that I can't even remember because I was so focused on getting out of that situation."

The supermodel, who recently teamed up with Natural Cycles and Postpartum Support International to bring attention to postpartum depression, got married to her ex-husband in 2015. Tess has full custody of their son, Bowie, who is 8 years old, and she is also the mother of Rylee, 18, from a previous relationship.

Tess discovered a new way to handle the stress by trying out medical marijuana. She was excited about it and shared, "I had never tried it before in my life." Tess found that after finishing breastfeeding a year after having her baby, using medical marijuana helped her relax and cope with the challenges a little better.

She also reached out to professionals who played a crucial role in helping her gain clarity.

"I found therapy to be extremely beneficial," she shared. "I had a therapist for postpartum issues, and during one session, the therapist pointed out, 'You do realize you are in an abusive relationship, don't you?' It was a moment of realization for me. I was completely unaware. It took the therapist's words to bring me back to reality."

When it comes to future relationships, Tess made a promise to always follow her heart and soul, and to trust her instincts.

As part of her collaboration with Natural Cycles and Postpartum Support International, Tess participated in a PSA for their “Is Mommy Okay?” series. In the video, she openly discusses her struggles with postpartum depression, joining other celebrities like Elaine Welteroth, Halle Bailey, Ashley Tisdale, and Stephanie Beatriz.

When Tess was asked to advocate for the cause, it was a no-brainer.

Postpartum was really tough for me," she admitted. "I didn't realize how much I was struggling with my mental health at first. Getting support made a big difference in helping me prioritize self-care, and I wish the same for others."

With reporting by Amanda Williams

Editor's P/S:

Tess Holliday's journey of healing from an abusive marriage is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her frank admission of the challenges she faced, including postpartum depression, serves as a reminder that even those who seem to have it all can struggle silently. The role of therapy and professional support in her recovery underscores the importance of seeking help when needed. Tess's decision to share her story through the "Is Mommy Okay?" PSA is a testament to her strength and her desire to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Holliday's experience also highlights the need for increased awareness about postpartum depression, a condition that affects many new mothers but is often overlooked or misunderstood. By collaborating with Natural Cycles and Postpartum Support International, she is using her platform to raise visibility and encourage women to prioritize their own well-being during this vulnerable time. Tess's story is a powerful reminder that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step towards healing and a brighter future.