Kylie Jenner Opens Up About Lifelong Battle with Anxiety

“I felt super trapped, like everybody was watching me.”

by Danielle Sinay

Kylie Jenner’s life may seem like the epitome of #goals, but mental health issues don’t discriminate: stars like Kylie have anxiety, too. The reality star opened up about her ongoing struggle with anxiety to Complex in her latest cover shoot, revealing that she’s battled the disorder for most of her life, and up until as recently as last year.

 “If I tried to go to the movies or something, I would stop breathing in the middle and just cry,” she said of her experience over a particularly dark period in 2015. “I’m surprised there aren’t videos of me out there. I felt super trapped, like everybody was watching me.”

Fortunately, the social media mogul has begun to face her anxiety head-on, taking control of her life, and as a result, her mind too.

“I learned to slow down everything, focus on things that I love, and say no to things I didn’t want to do,” she told the magazine. “I used to [agree] to do everything, but when I started taking control of my life again, I felt better.” 

We’re so glad that Kylie is learning to cope with her anxiety, and was brave enough to share her experience with her fans. Hopefully her honesty will inspire others to address their own mental health, and get the help the need.

Because seriously: if you struggle with anxiety, you’re far from alone. An astonishing 80 million people in the United States are diagnosed with a a form of anxiety disorder, and it affects 25% of teens, 30% of all teen girls, and 18% of adults. This makes it the most common mental health disorder in the country.

It’s also important to note that anxiety comes in many forms, and that there isn’t “one type” of anxiety. Some people experience panic attacks, while others suffer from specific phobias. Other forms of anxiety include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Bipolar disorder, to name a few. And no, no form of anxiety is worse or “more real” than another: if you’re struggling, no matter the symptoms, your feelings are always legitimate.

Thank you for your bravery, Kylie! We’re so glad you’re feeling better. 

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.