Wise words, Manolo.
Here’s another take on this from a woman who suffered from postpartum depression AND who always liked Britney Spears: http://dooce.com/. I think rehab is also ridiculous, but she does need support and help and love. And yes, that help should include her being shielded from the media somehow.

I really feel sorry for her. I believe the pressure of being a star at such a young age, combined with the stress of a divorce, two children, with a hint of post partum depression and the paps not leaving her alone really took its toll on her. I’m really afraid that at this rate, her story won’t have a happy ending.

So sad :(

Very wise words Manolo.

Luv,

Cassie @ LuxLuv – Luxe Blog

What Britney really needs is to be surrounded by sensible people willing to tell her no, not sycophants who worship her, nor gold-diggers who just want to cash in.

What great advice!

Buying shoes (& some ruinously expensive but super-fantastic and therefore totally worth-it boots) was enough to keep me going through my recent divorce, but I fear that Brit needs a bit more, um, help. She’s gotten kind of used to substances other than ice cream, I’m afraid.

Hmm, I hadn’t really thought of it this way, but after my divorce several years ago, my daughter and I did tons of shopping therapy. We actually were better off financially, as I discovered I had a great talent for budgeting. I set us up with a nice clothing allowance and we suddenly had great wardrobes. It seems like a small thing, but I think it really helped us both feel a lot better.

I’ve never cared for Britney, but I agree, it’s no fun belittling her now. And actually, I think the shaved head is really badass.

Whenever I broke up with a man I cut my hair. Obviously, this is the same thing, but with two babies in two years attached. I had two babies in two years and I DO NOT suggest it. The woman is obviously floundering around as she tries to find out who she is beyond mother and celebrity. Good for her! She may not be doing it the way others would elect to, but she is not them. She is La Brit.

The fact that she would marry K-Fed to begin with tells me that she is not right…

I am voting that post-partum depression is also a factor. Although, rehab may not be the exact right choice, some sort of counseling and/or other support is clearly in order. I am waiting for TomKat to step up to the plate to help….

I do find it interesting that Mr. Federline is starting to look like the responsible one in the relationship. He has the kids, is apparently not going out and partying all night, and according to other news reports, he is the only person who will step up and tell her no. She shaved her head b/c he threatened to drug-test her hair to see what she was up to. He made her go into rehab by nearly calling an emergency custody hearing. Even her mother is on Federline’s side now. And you should probably listen to your mother. Whether rehab is best or whatever treatment is best, I just hope it works and her kids are taken care of.

In order to be admitted into a rehab program, you must have a medically documented addiction, so there’s no question that she has a substance abuse problem.

Cheeky…honest places are that way, but don’t you think that when faced with a celebrity and lots of cash, a rehab center would be happy to take someone who doesn’t have a “documented” case of addiction? besides, just saying you feel you are addicted to something is justification enough for most places, and by her recent behavior, it can seem to be that she may be addicted to something.

Also to consider, many of these places are also places people go when they are having breakdowns, as they have psych areas for people with mild to severe depression. You don’t have to have an addiction for that, just a resident doctor to say that her “acting out” was a sign of her depression. Calling it rehab is much more tasteful to most people than to say she was going in for a breakdown. It’s less likely to damage a career that way. Personally, i think it’s a breakdown, be it post-partum or post-divorce or stardom or all of it.

i’m going with postpartum issues more than anger over her divorce. either way, why is it so many have treated britney’s shenanigans with glee? she’s got two babies to take care of, and obviously that has not really been happening. whether she “deserved” it or not, the lack of compassion that so many have exhibited –bloggers and those in traditional media –baffles the mind.

good on ya, the manolo.

Thank you Manolo. With your typical gentleness and humor, you’ve said beautifully what I’ve also been trying to say for some time now (though not nearly so eloquently). I agree with Jenzilla here – Britney has such lovely eyes and features that I think she carries the shaved head beautifully. There isn’t a one of us women that hasn’t done stupid things after breakups. At least the brunt of us did not have media following and documenting every single one of them! Ice cream, shoes, pictures of the ghastly Federline, her kids to snuggle, her mom, and some good chick flicks — I wish all these things for Britney and SOON!

I so agree with Manalo. Brittney has just divorced with K-Fed. Of course she’s going to be sad. Just leeve her alone!

This may sound strange.

I wonder if her actions are not the result of the divorce in that her handlers ‘forced’ a divorce upon her to get rid of K-Fed. Perhaps she really loves him, bizarre as that sounds to the rest of us, and now is acting up.

I agree with Kathryn above. As long as her kids are taken care of – that’s what matters.

As for Britney… she needs rehab, and her name in the headlines is really getting old.

Britney is so obviously out of her mind, I am confused as to why the Manolo would say she doesn’t need rehab (or some other treatment for post-partum depression, etc.). This is not normal blowing off steam. She’s going insane, and she needs help. Ice cream and shoes isn’t going to do it.

I discovered this on one of her fan sites, and I have to agree with every word. I am also delighted that most of the comments here have been pro-Britney,or at least sympathetic.
This young woman has been treated horribly not just recently but for the past 5 years or so. Part of it is envy at her fame, the desire to bring someone down who is on top. And much of it is because she is female, and sexist,patriarchal attitudes are still pervasive in our society. I cannot think of any male celebrity who has been so brutalized.
People are treating Britney like she is one of monster, like a serial killer or something. Going out and partying in the wake of a crumbled marriage, behaving like others her age, having fun-what has she done that has been so terrible?
Not saying she doesnt have problems, postpartum quite likely, and of course the way she has been treated,but she is not a depraved, out-of control loony like some wish to think.
Its been an interesting past couple week with celebs, Britney’s sad saga, and the joy of seeing Melissa Etheridge win an Oscar. And then to get “Savaged” by the far right nut cases.