“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jen Affleck said she and her husband Zac Affleck are going through a difficult time right now. The reality star, 27, got candid about their challenges in a new interview. But despite the challenges, Jen said that she was beginning to see things turn around for the better over the last few weeks.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Jen said the last few months of her marriage to her husband, Zac, have been quite a challenge. While she didn’t reveal why they were struggling, the reality star documented her move from Utah to Orange County, California, and learned during the move that she was pregnant with her fourth child.
And while difficult, Jen said that she’s hopeful things are on the mend. “I do feel like I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and just trying to count my blessings every single day,” she said.
Jen Affleck Shares Why She’s Decided To Open Up About Struggles
During all of that, Jen also joined the cast of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County” spinoff and underwent surgery for an infected wisdom tooth.
While reflecting on her journey, Jen also opened up about her decision to share her story with others, saying one of her primary goals is to help people.
“I think I’m in a very unique and interesting situation, where maybe people can’t relate with being Mormon and having four kids at such a young age, but I do think there are different things that people can relate with,” she said. “I think there’s always going to be hate, and there’s always going to be criticism, but as long as one person is benefiting from me sharing my story, that’s all that matters to me.”
Jen And Zac Affleck Have Struggled Before
This isn’t the first time that Jen has spoken out about her relationship struggles with Zac. In a previous interview, the reality star confirmed that she and Zac split during the earlier seasons of “SLOMW.” She also confirmed that their marital woes led them to therapy.
Before that, Jen clapped back at social media users who shared critical messages about her marriage, saying she didn’t “care” about other people’s thoughts. “At the end of the day, I’ll always prioritize what’s best for me regardless of others’ opinions. The truth about marriage and raising kids is that it’s challenging. There will be ups and downs, and mistakes will be made. But as long as both partners are committed to choosing each other and putting in the effort, that’s what truly matters,” she said.
Jen Has Dealt With Parental Depression
In addition to her struggles with Zac, Jen recently told The Blast that she’s dealt with “prenatal depression” as well.
“Prenatal depression was rough this time. It’s been honestly hard with every pregnancy, but especially this time, just because so much was happening with moving to a new state,” she said, adding that her busy schedule with the show and “Dancing with the Stars” put more pressure on her than she imagined.
What’s To Come On OC ‘Mormon Wives’?
Elsewhere during her interview with The Blast, Jen reflected on the upcoming new season of the Orange County iteration of “SLOMW.” While she can’t share much yet, Jen said fans should be ready for a variety of completely new personalities.
“It’s just a different group and with each group, there is going to be different personalities, different needs, and I guess the biggest difference I would say is the dynamic between a lot of the girls,” she said. “I don’t want to spoil anything, but there is pretty much a huge divide within the group when it comes to religion.”
