In a revealing moment on a talk show, actress Emma Roberts opened up about her childhood struggles with anxiety, shedding light on a topic that resonates with many. Despite the fact that nearly 20 percent of Americans experience mental health issues, there remains a lingering stigma that often prevents open discussions about these challenges. This is particularly concerning when it comes to children, who can also experience mental health issues.
Fortunately, we’re in an era where conversations about mental health are becoming more mainstream, and celebrities like Emma Roberts are playing a vital role in normalizing these discussions. During a recent appearance on The Late Show, Roberts took a break from the usual banter with host David Jenkins to discuss her own experiences with anxiety as a child.
She shared a poignant note she wrote at age nine while in therapy, which featured a drawing of herself standing tall over a depiction of her anxiety—a “little purple monster.” Jenkins held up the drawing, emblazoned with empowering words, “I am stronger than my anxiety!”
“I was nine years old when I created this,” Roberts explained, gesturing to the illustration. “This represents me confronting my anxiety.” The drawing—though whimsical—illustrated her very real struggles with panic attacks during her childhood.
“I was a deeply anxious kid and therapy helped me tremendously,” she admitted. Roberts went on to share how her involvement in acting and improv boosted her confidence and provided her with tools to manage her anxiety, although she acknowledged that it remains a part of her life. “I still deal with anxiety today,” she said, “but thankfully, I haven’t had a panic attack in a while.”
Jenkins also shared his own experiences, recalling similar backstage anxieties he faced as a young performer. “I would curl up and tell everyone to just leave me alone,” he confessed.
Recognizing that children can experience anxiety and that therapy can provide them with coping strategies is crucial. Thanks to figures like Emma Roberts and David Jenkins, the conversation around mental health is becoming more inclusive, especially for younger audiences. For those interested in exploring options related to fertility and pregnancy, resources like this article on home insemination kits and this excellent guide on IUI processes can be incredibly helpful. It’s also beneficial to learn more about autonomy in fertility matters through authorities like Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, Emma Roberts’ candidness about her childhood anxiety helps to destigmatize mental health discussions and emphasizes the importance of therapy for young people.