
Hayden Panettiere opens up about the challenges of discussing mental health publicly, the impact of grief on her physical and emotional well-being, and the toxicity of social media.
- Sep 24, 2024
AceShowbiz - Hayden Panettiere shared her heartfelt journey with mental health struggles and the devastating loss of her brother, Jansen, in a new interview. The actress, who is no stranger to public scrutiny, hopes to inspire empathy and understanding through her candid revelations.
During a recent appearance on "Today With Hoda and Jenna," Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Nashville" and "Heroes," elaborated on the emotional turmoil she's faced since the death of her brother Jansen Panettiere in February 2023.
Contrary to her expectations that public discussions about her mental health would foster empathy, she admitted on the show, "I thought it would be easier. I thought that people would have empathy [and it] was going to be the only thing that was there, but I had no idea how my body, my mind was going to react to grief."
Panettiere discussed the physical manifestations of grief and stress, noting how they can "make you faint." She emphasized that grief "comes in all different forms, so nobody should be embarrassed by it or judged for it." The multifaceted nature of grief became apparent to her, challenging her earlier understanding of the "five stages of grief."
On prioritizing her mental health, Panettiere credited her celebrity fitness trainer, Marnie Alton, for helping her through the toughest times with a blend of barre and yoga.
She explained, "It's a combination of barre and yoga, but it's not just about physical. It's the mental state that you're in. It's when we have to step outside and have a conversation—a real true grounding conversation - or today is a day for a long walk, we're still moving, but we're doing some venting and therapy at the same time."
The actress previously addressed concerns sparked by a recent interview video where she appeared to slur her words and struggle to keep her eyes open. Panettiere clarified in an Instagram post that she had been exhausted due to her dog's emergency surgery, and emphasized, "Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone's business and is between me and my doctor."
She expressed frustration with the toxic nature of social media, pointing out its detrimental effects on mental health.
Hayden Panettiere's courage to speak openly about her struggles and grief underscores the importance of mental health conversations, especially in the public eye. Her latest film project, "Amber Alert," symbolizes a fresh and focused chapter in her career, allowing her to channel her experiences into meaningful work.