Now more than ever before, people are speaking up and out about their struggles with mental health. A topic that was once considered taboo, has now come to the forefront of conversation, thanks to countless brave individuals both famous and not.
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Many out of those who have it, use their notoriety as a platform to de-stigmatize the discussion of mental illness. And just as Audacy’s I’m Listening initiative aims, to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone.
In a recent interview with Sunday Today, actress Amanda Seyfried spoke candidly with Willie Geist, about how her she experience with panic attacks have taken a toll on her.
When asked about the experience, Seyfried admitted to Geist, “Yeah, it feels like life or death,” during her Sunday Sitdown interview. "That's what a panic attack is, really. Your body just goes into fight or flight. The endorphin rush and the dump that happens after the panic attack is so extraordinary. You just feel so relieved and your body is just kind of recovered, in a way. It's so bizarre because it's physiological but it starts in your head.” Adding, "It never goes away.”
Additionally, actress Alisha Boe took to social media to share about her previous struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Which in her case led to her doctor suggesting the use of a heart monitor to confirm her palpitations were a result of anxiety and not concerning any cardiovascular issues.
Alongside a mirror selfie that showed the 13 Reasons Why actress wearing a heart monitor, her caption read, “Had so much ~anxiety~ that i was convinced I was going to have a heart attack at 24 from palpitations - and my cardiologist made me wear a heart monitor for 2 weeks only to confirm my heart palpitations were just ~~~~anxiety~~~~ Lmao who can relate ?”
A panic attack is defined as a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that triggers physical reactions despite no actual threat of danger. And because palpitations, or feelings that your heart is pounding or racing are common symptom of a panic attack, thinking you're having a heart attack could actually be a sign of anxiety.
Assuring everyone that she is "completely fine and healthy," Boe’s post aimed "to normalize the conversation around anxiety/panic attacks and have an open conversation.” On top of sharing experience and reason for wearing a heart monitor, Boe also posted about what's been working for her lately when she feels a panic attack coming on or when she has anxiety. Listing the following 4 steps:
1.) a deep inhale on the count of 5, hold for two seconds at the top, then exhaling for 5 seconds.
2.) Calling someone immediately when I feel panic setting in and talking about literally anything else. (More of a distraction tactic lol)
3.) yoga, especially yin yoga (which requires you hold poses for 3-5 minutes) has been a powerful tool for me the past year. Helps me release a lot of tension/trauma I hold in my body.
4.) when I'm already experiencing a heavy panic attack I jump in a ice cold shower lmao, it helps - ya can google the science.
As for Seyfried, in addition to her most recent statement, she has constantly been transparent about her mental health in the past. Sharing about her experiences of seeing a psychiatrist in her late teens, as well as also being an outspoken advocate for medication as a form of treatment, as she has been taking antidepressants since she was 19 with no plans to stop.
While the use of heart monitors and antidepressant worked for Alisha and Amanda, that might not work for everyone as everyone’s mental health journey is their own.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.
WATCH MORE: 5 Celebrities Who Are Mental Health Champions
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