“I just want to get past my anxiety and live life”
by Danielle Sinay
Mental illness doesn’t discriminate: stars like the Kardashian-Jenners struggle with it, too.
On the latest episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner opened up about about their battles with Anxiety and Panic Disorder.
Kim explained that her panic manifests itself while she’s driving, telling her mom that she “thinks about it all the time,” and that it “it drives me crazy…I just want to get past my anxiety and live life… I never had anxiety and I want to take back my life.”
“My mind does go crazy,” she continued. And it’s true — anxiety does make you feel like you’re “going crazy.” But you’re not — you’re just a normal human with emotions.
Kendall suffers from anxiety too, but a slightly different form (because remember, there are countless “types” of anxiety!). Kendall has described Sleep Paralysis, which is often a symptom of panic attacks, and struggles with anxiety and panic on flights.
“I am kind of freaking out. It is so weird as I get like super light headed when I am on planes and I feel like I am going to faint,” she said. “I don’t know what to do as I am freaking out about even flying home.”
Kim and Kendall agreed to see a therapist, but while Kim felt her therapy session helped, Kendall wasn’t enthralled. This is true of lots of people — there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to mental health treatment. Some people use medication, some people use meditation (which the sisters later tried), and some people try yoga. One is no better than the other – it’s whatever works for you.
We’re so glad that Kim and Kendall have acknowledged that they need, and then sought out, help — especially on national television. Because for whatever reason, mental illness continues to be stigmatized in society, and as many people with mental illness know, can cause feelings of shame. That’s why Kim and Kendall’s choice to try out therapy is so important — by openly acknowledging and prioritizing their mental health, they’re tackling the stigma head-on, proving that it’s just a part of being a healthy person.
Kudos, Kardashian-Jenners.
Oh and BTW, the fact that it is stigmatized is ridiculous. Because not only is Generalized Anxiety Disorder the most common mental illness in the country, but so many people openly struggle with it, like seriously SO MANY — “flawless” celebrities included. The Kardashian-Jenners, their sister Kylie, Zayn Mailk, Kid Cudi, Amanda Seyfried, Ellie Goulding, me, the human writing this (I’m not famous, but you get the point), and so many others! None of these people are-less than, and there is nothing wrong with how they feel. Because, and say this with me:
There is nothing wrong with mental illness.
And addressing it is imperative. Just because you can’t see a mental illness like you can a cut or bruise, doesn’t make it imaginary. It’s real, and it’s necessary. Now say this with me:
Mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Please make sure to treat it as such!
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1?800?273?TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat.
