Millie Mackintosh talks panic attacks, social media and her experience of anxiety
Oct 11, 2021
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In this engaging podcast, Millie Mackintosh opens up about her struggles with anxiety, from panic attacks during Made in Chelsea days to navigating social media judgment. She discusses pre and postnatal anxiety, the pressure of online scrutiny, and managing IBS. With her second baby on the way, Millie's vulnerability and honesty shine through as she shares her journey with anxiety.
Millie McIntosh shares her journey with anxiety, including panic attacks and IBS symptoms at a young age, advocating for destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Discussing the impact of social media on anxiety, Millie highlights the importance of finding coping strategies like transcendental meditation and reframing anxious thoughts.
Embracing anxiety as a companion, Millie emphasizes the power of shifting mindset, confronting triggers, and practicing self-compassion to reduce anxiety's impact.
Deep dives
Millie McIntosh's Journey with Anxiety
Millie McIntosh discusses her anxiety story, starting from when it began manifesting at 18 with panic attacks and IBS symptoms. She shares how becoming open about her anxiety on social media during her first pregnancy helped her connect with others and receive support. Millie reflects on the impact of social media on anxiety, experiencing panic attacks while filming Made in Chelsea, and the challenges of dealing with negative comments and trolls.
Coping Strategies and Self-Care Practices
Millie talks about the various coping strategies she has used to manage her anxiety, including transcendental meditation and mindfulness practices. She shares her evolving relationship with self-care, emphasizing the importance of finding what works for her and not succumbing to external pressures or trends. Millie stresses the significance of acknowledging and accepting anxiety, changing perceptions, and reframing how she interacts with her anxious thoughts and feelings.
Shifting Mindset and Dealing with Anxiety Triggers
Millie discusses changing her mindset towards anxiety, embracing it as a companion and not fighting against it. She highlights the importance of confronting anxiety triggers rather than avoiding them, such as attending events after a long break. By reframing how she perceives anxiety and being open to its presence, Millie emphasizes the power of shifting her mindset to reduce anxiety's impact and create space for self-compassion and acceptance.
Dealing with Anxiety in Various Life Situations
The podcast discusses how anxiety can manifest in different life scenarios, from work-related stress to the challenges of motherhood. The speaker shares personal experiences of feeling anxious during a shoot due to being in an unfamiliar environment with a large team, highlighting the impact of situational anxiety. Additionally, the discussion delves into the complexities of managing anxiety during pregnancy and early motherhood, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support.
Coping Strategies and Support for Anxiety
The episode explores various coping strategies for dealing with anxiety, such as grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and seeking professional help. The speaker emphasizes the significance of self-soothing and self-compassion in managing anxious moments effectively. Moreover, the conversation underscores the importance of normalizing discussions around anxiety in motherhood, advocating for open communication and destigmatization of mental health challenges.
For this bonus episode I was so thrilled to sit down with (virtually) Millie Mackintosh. I have long been a fan of Millie's, particularly since becoming pregnant and seeing how open and honest she is about the experience. She keeps it real. Millie has had her fair share of anxiety down through the years and here she shares her story with me. We talk everything from the Made in Chelsea days when panic attacks were a common experience, to pre and postnatal anxiety, the anxiety of having millions of people watching and judging you on social media, IBS and so much more. As she's about to have her second baby, I'm so grateful to Millie for taking the time to chat and be so honest as always and allow herself to be vulnerable.
My books: Owning It: Your BS Free Guide To Living With Anxiety / The Confidence Kit: Your BS Free Guide To Owning Your Fear / NAKED: Ten Truths To Change Your Life all available on amazon.
Own your anxiety as and when it happens with Owning It: Real Time. The situation specific series of audio guides that helps you move through your most anxious moments. Available now on Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/owningittheanxietypodcast.