Sophia Michaels
Valerie Bertinelli has always candidly shared her experiences, including her struggles. Recently, she offered a rare look into her vulnerability by sharing a heartfelt video on Instagram. On November 17, 2024, Bertinelli posted a clip showing her hands shaking due to a significant anxiety attack, a reaction she hadn’t faced in quite some time. “I was sobbing uncontrollably, and my heart felt like it was racing out of my chest. I couldn’t stop shaking,” she expressed. “I’m thankful these episodes are less frequent now, but this one caught me off guard today.”
Bertinelli also mentioned her journey with meditation and EMDR therapy to manage her anxiety, despite continuing tremors. She expressed her intrigue about the connection between emotions and physical reactions, questioning how feelings can overpower rational thought. “It’s fascinating how our bodies can react strongly when emotions intervene, and I’m curious about the brain’s strange mechanisms and their impact on our bodies,” she shared.
Importantly, she clarified that she doesn’t seek sympathy, but rather aims to connect with those facing similar issues. Bertinelli wanted to remind her audience that they are not alone in their struggles with anxiety.
Longtime Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
While Bertinelli’s recent post highlights her vulnerability, it’s not her first time addressing her mental health journey. The actress and TV personality often advocates for emotional openness, revealing her personal growth experiences. In a 2022 essay for New Beauty, she discussed her experiences with weight loss and the decision to stop weighing herself, noting, “Not checking the scale daily has greatly improved my mental health, which is a major step for me.”
Moreover, she has shared her coping strategies for dealing with the emotional pain from losing her first husband, Eddie Van Halen, and the strain of her second marriage’s ending. Initially, she turned to alcohol to cope, but soon discovered it wasn’t the solution. “It’s essential not to dull emotional pain. When I began to examine my emotions, I could navigate through them,” she reflected in her remarks to People.
Today, Bertinelli thrives without the need for alcohol, stating, “I cherish my feelings more than what alcohol could provide. I naturally radiate happiness now,” she concluded.
