Beyoncé opens up on mental health and struggle with motherhood

From rigorous dance routines on her live performances, to indisputable vocal capability, numerous awards and many powerful titles under her belt, Beyoncé Knowles Carter is no stranger to music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts.  

The celebrated artiste has opened up about her mental health journey post pregnancy in a rare interview with Elle magazine where she will be on the cover for the January 2020 issue.

The songstress and director candidly spoke about having a difficult pregnancy with her twins, Rumi and Sir. She says that the troubled pregnancy triggered her year-long break from the music industry.

"After having a difficult pregnancy, I took a year to focus on my health. I have researched information on homeopathic medicines. I don't just put any prescription in my body. My diet is important, and I use tools like acupuncture, meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises," said the twenty-three time Grammy award winner.

The mom of three spoke about the importance of self-care in a society where, she says, women are expected to “tough it up”, ignore the symptoms and take care of everyone else before themselves.

Beyoncé also spoke about her motherhood journey and how it changed her. She also opened up about experiencing miscarriages, sharing that her personal experiences have changed her perspective on life and the importance of introspection, self-care and purpose.

“Having miscarriages taught me that I had to mother myself before I could be a mother to someone else. Then I had Blue, and the quest for my purpose became so much deeper. I died and was reborn in my relationship, and the quest for self became even stronger,” said the singer.

A producer, director, voice actress and formidable entrepreneur, Mrs Carter also talked about the struggle of being a working mother and having to balance it all.

“I think the most stressful thing for me is balancing work and life. Making sure I am present for my kids—dropping Blue off at school, taking Rumi and Sir to their activities, making time for date nights with my husband, and being home in time to have dinner with my family—all while running a company can be challenging,” admitted Beyoncé.

Queen Bey, as she is affectionately known by adoring fans, also opened up about appreciating her body with all its curves, weight fluctuations and learning to love herself for more than just the physical.

“If someone told me 15 years ago that my body would go through so many changes and fluctuations, and that I would feel more womanly and secure with my curves, I would not have believed them. But children and maturity have taught me to value myself beyond my physical appearance and really understand that I am more than enough no matter what stage I’m at in life.”