Gwyneth Paltrow Shares Her Mental Health Struggles and Experience With Intrusive Thoughts

Gwyneth Paltrow has openly discussed her ongoing battle with mental health issues, including anxiety and intrusive thoughts. The past few years have been extremely difficult for me, the 53-year-old actress shared on her Goop podcast. This isnt who I usually am, so its a complex experience.

She explained that her struggles have multiple layers. Theres a physiological side, a psychological side, and an emotional side, she noted.

Being constantly in the public eye has significantly impacted her well-being, Paltrow added. When youre exposed to public opinion and all the energy that comes with it Im very sensitive, like many people, and it really affects my nervous system.

She also attributed some of her anxiety to hormonal changes associated with menopause. Im experiencing high levels of anxiety for the first time in my life, which I think is related to hormonal shifts, she said. It might be due to estrogen imbalance, which can trigger anxiety.

Gwyneth mentioned that her cortisol levels, the hormone that regulates stress, may also be disrupted. Ill lie down completely exhausted, and suddenly my heart races, she explained. Then I start having intrusive thoughts, something Ive never encountered before.

Although her sleep remains mostly steady, she sometimes wakes up feeling overwhelmed by dread. My rest is generally okay, but there are mornings when I wake up consumed by anxiety, she admitted.

To address these challenges, Paltrow is working with two therapists, including a specialist in nervous system health. She also finds comfort in her family, including her husband of seven years, Brad Falchuk, his children from a previous marriage, and her own children with ex Chris Martin, Apple, 21, and Moses, 19. Being all together under one roof helps soothe my nervous system, she said.

Additionally, Paltrow expressed gratitude for her friends and the supportive women in her life who have helped her navigate this difficult period.

Author: Harper Simmons