Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and Food Network star, has once again opened up to her fans, revealing a deeply personal side of her life that many may not have expected. In a candid Instagram video posted on November 17, 2024, Bertinelli shared a troubling experience with anxiety that left her visibly shaken. Known for her honesty and openness about her struggles, this latest revelation showcases a level of vulnerability that resonates deeply with her audience.
In the video, Bertinelli revealed that she was experiencing a severe anxiety attack, something she had not encountered in quite some time. As she filmed herself, her hands trembled uncontrollably, a physical manifestation of her emotional turmoil. “I was weeping uncontrollably, and my heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest. I couldn’t stop shaking,” she confessed to her followers. Despite having dealt with anxiety before, this particular episode caught her off guard. “Gratefully, these attacks have become much more infrequent, so this one took me a little bit by surprise today,” she explained.
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She has always been open about her mental health struggles
Bertinelli’s honesty did not stop there. She spoke about her coping mechanisms, revealing that she has been using meditation and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to help manage her anxiety. However, she candidly admitted that even these methods did not completely alleviate her symptoms during the attack. “Part of me is fascinated by what the human body is capable of when our feelings can get in the way or override any reasonable thought,” she mused. Bertinelli’s reflections highlight the complex relationship between emotions and physical responses, sparking curiosity about how our brains can influence our bodies in such profound ways.
Importantly, Bertinelli made it clear that her intention in sharing this experience was not to seek sympathy. Instead, she aimed to connect with others who may be facing similar struggles. “I want to remind others who have been in the same boat that they’re not alone,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming mental health challenges.
This recent revelation is just one of many instances where Bertinelli has been open about her mental health journey. The actress has long been a vocal advocate for emotional honesty, often sharing her personal growth and the lessons she has learned along the way. In a previous essay for New Beauty in 2022, she discussed her relationship with weight and self-image, stating, “It’s all a test and we’ll see how it works, but I do know that my mental health has improved immensely because I stopped looking at the scale every morning.” This pivotal decision marked a significant step in her journey towards better mental health.
Bertinelli has also been candid about her experiences with heartbreak, including the loss of her first husband, rock legend Eddie Van Halen, and her divorce from Tom Vitale. Initially, she turned to alcohol as a means of coping with her emotional pain, but she soon recognized that this was not a healthy solution. “I think it’s important to really not numb emotional pain,” she told People in a previous interview. “Emotions are information. When I decided to really question why I was having a certain emotion, I was able to — most of the time — walk through it and get to the other side.”
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Today, Bertinelli stands as a testament to resilience and personal growth. She has embraced a healthier lifestyle, choosing to prioritize her well-being over temporary comforts. “Right now, I love how I feel more than how the alcohol makes me feel,” she shared, reflecting on her newfound clarity and happiness. “I found that I do naturally hum at happy.”
Valerie Bertinelli’s willingness to share her struggles with anxiety and her journey towards healing serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. By speaking out, she not only empowers herself but also inspires countless others to confront their own challenges with honesty and courage.
