In a heartfelt bid to connect with others, Valerie Bertinelli recently shared a candid video documenting the aftermath of what she described as “a really bad anxiety attack.” By doing so, she hopes to reassure those grappling with similar feelings that they are “not alone” in their struggles.
On November 17, the beloved celebrity chef, actor, and lifestyle expert took to Instagram to share a profoundly personal video showcasing her trembling hand against a countertop. Accompanying her post was an impactful caption in which she opened up about her tumultuous journey with anxiety attacks, inviting her followers to share their own experiences.
“So I don’t know if you can tell from this video (and my heart is still beating a little rapidly as I write this) I had a really bad anxiety attack today,” Bertinelli wrote, expressing the raw aftermath of her emotional turbulence. “I haven’t had one like this in a very, very long time. A few hours ago, I was weeping uncontrollably, and my heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest. I couldn’t stop shaking.”
The 64-year-old actress revealed that the incident took her “a little bit by surprise” on a quiet Sunday afternoon, emphasizing the unpredictability of anxiety.
“This is the after effect,” she continued with candid honesty, describing the ongoing impact. “As I’m going through the actual attack (lol attack is such an appropriate word. My body and my mind feels like it’s actually under attack 😅) Anyway…”
She elaborated on the overwhelming nature of her experience, stating, “I almost disassociate and am focused solely on calming down and finding any road to a more relaxed and peaceful body.” Recognizing the cognitive aspect, she remarked, “Because I know it’s just my brain overthinking and catastrophizing but my body goes into overdrive and I have no control over it.”
Bertinelli shared her methods for coping after such intense episodes. “Hours later, as I’m doing my best to meditate and EMDR my way out of this, this is the after effect that I can’t quite seem to calm all the way yet,” she noted.
She also explained that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a mental health treatment technique designed to aid in trauma recovery, involves specific eye movements to help individuals process distressing memories, as described by the Cleveland Clinic.
“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, and another part of me is just curious on how all of this happens,” Bertinelli shared thoughtfully. “You know the weird neuropathies in our brain and how it affects our bodies, what feelings (which are just information btw) are and why are they so powerful that they make our body go into overdrive,” she continued, adding layers to her introspection.
In a moment of vulnerability, she posed a question to her followers, seeking solace in shared experiences. “Tell me I’m not the only one out here 😬 and is there anything that you have also found to be helpful?” she asked, underlining her desire for connection. “Anyway…this little bit of vulnerability is brought to you by someone who wants you to know you’re not alone.”
Bertinelli has consistently opened up about her struggles throughout her life, including feelings of “emotional exhaustion,” her reflections on parenting “mistakes” with her son Wolfgang, the challenges of her former marriages, and her past reliance on food as a means to “soothe an emotion.”
What coping strategies does Valerie Bertinelli suggest for managing anxiety attacks?
**Interview with Valerie Bertinelli on Her Journey with Anxiety**
**Editor:** Valerie, thank you for joining us today. Your recent Instagram video has resonated with so many people. Could you tell us a little more about what prompted you to share such a personal moment?
**Valerie Bertinelli:** Thank you for having me! I decided to share that video because I wanted to show the reality of anxiety for so many people. It can feel isolating, and I wanted to remind others going through similar experiences that they are not alone. It’s tough to talk about, but it’s important.
**Editor:** Your video showed such vulnerability. Can you describe how that anxiety attack felt for you, both during and after?
**Valerie Bertinelli:** It was overwhelming, to say the least. It caught me off guard on a quiet Sunday, which just goes to show how unpredictable anxiety can be. During the attack, I was shaking, crying, and my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. The aftermath is just as challenging, as I felt exhausted and a bit shaken—like I had truly gone into battle.
**Editor:** You mentioned feeling like your body was “under attack.” How do you cope in those moments, and do you have strategies that help you find calm?
**Valerie Bertinelli:** Absolutely. When I’m in the thick of it, I try to focus on calming my body. Deep breathing exercises can help, and I often remind myself that it’s my mind that’s overreacting, even if my body feels out of control. It’s a battle of sorts, but I’ve learned that acknowledging the moment can sometimes diffuse its intensity.
**Editor:** You’ve invited your followers to share their experiences as well. Have you noticed any common themes in the responses you’ve received?
**Valerie Bertinelli:** Yes, so many people can relate to feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, and it’s comforting to see that we’re all in this together. Many have shared their own coping strategies and feelings of isolation, but it’s encouraging to have an open conversation about it. We can support one another through shared experiences.
**Editor:** What message do you hope to convey to anyone who might be struggling with anxiety today?
**Valerie Bertinelli:** I want anyone struggling to know that it’s okay to feel this way, and it’s okay to reach out for help. You’re not alone—this is a shared human experience. Talking about it is crucial, and together, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
**Editor:** Thank you for your openness and vulnerability, Valerie. Your courage to share your journey is truly inspiring.
**Valerie Bertinelli:** Thank you for having me and for helping to spread this important message.
