She’s the Dawson’s Creek alum who happens to be Michelle Williams’ best friend, but Busy Philipps isn’t immune to mental health struggles – in fact, she’s experienced anxiety all of her life.
Speaking to Health, 39-year-old Philipps acknowledged that mental health issues run in her family.
“I grew up in a family where mental health issues are… we’ve got ‘em!” she says. “I’ve had that since I was a kid – racing thoughts, unable to get control of my thoughts, spinning out into paralysis of not being able to do anything and crying hysterically about it, or just feeling totally helpless,” she admits.
Two days before her Health interview, Philipps experienced “a full panic attack” in New York.
“Part of it was circumstantial, part of it was being away from my family, and I hadn’t been working out as much,” she reasons. “For me, getting the endorphins and the sweat every morning is part of what I think helps me keep it in check.”
Aside from exercise, Philipps also credits acupuncture, infrared sauna sessions and “CBD and THC gummies” for helping to alleviate her anxiety.
Busy Philipps is just one of multiple celebrities who’ve opened up about their experience with their mental health; read more stories here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.