Gabrielle Union opens up about living with PTSD: 'There's times the anxiety is so bad it shrinks my life'
Gabrielle Union shared a candid post to Instagram on Wednesday detailing her experience with mental health and battle with PTSD.
The video features a shot of Gabrielle Union from behind being photographed before the Met Gala, joined midway through by her husband, Dwyane Wade. In the video, there are arrows and accompanying text labeling Wade as "my anxiety" and a handler fixing her gown as "my triggers," illustrating her battle with anxiety, something she has been dealing with for 30 years.
"As a rape survivor, I have battled PTSD for 30 years. Living with anxiety and panic attacks all these years has never been easy," Union wrote.
"There's times the anxiety is so bad it shrinks my life. Leaving the house or making a left hand turn at an uncontrolled light can fill me with terror. Anxiety can turn my anticipation about a party or fun event I've been excited about attending (Met Ball) into pure agony," she continued, showcasing how pervasive her anxiety can be even during moments that should be hallmarked by excitement and joy.
Union went on to explain the importance of believing and understanding those who live with anxiety without trying to "fix" them.
"When we tell y'all what we are experiencing, please believe us the 1st time we mention it. No, it's not like being nervous and everyone experiences and deals with anxiety differently, and that's OK. I don't need you to try to 'fix' me," she wrote.
She concluded with a statement of solidarity.
"I share this as I hope everyone living with anxiety knows they aren't alone or 'being extra.' I see you, I FEEL you and there is so much love for you. Always. Love and light good people. Be good to each other out there," she wrote.
The comments were full of supporters praising Union for speaking openly about her mental health.
"[Your] vulnerability amazes and inspires us," shared one commenter.
"This is powerful, thank you for sharing," wrote another.
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