Here are five well-known individuals who have spoken openly about their struggles with anxiety or panic attacks, along with how Ayurvedic practices could have aided in prevention or relief, followed by citation-supported references.
Princess Diana – She experienced panic attacks during public appearances and tours, such as trembling and crying before events. source
Ellie Goulding – Singer-songwriter who openly described battles with both anxiety and panic attacks, especially early in her career and performing. source
Kendall Jenner – She said stress and overwork led to panic attacks so intense she felt like she was “dying.” source
Goldie Hawn – Shared having debilitating panic attacks at the start of her career, leaving her wanting to escape the limelight. source
Bo Burnham – The comedian eventually stepped away from live performance due to profound anxiety and panic attacks during shows. source
How Ayurveda Could Have Helped Them Prevent or Manage Anxiety
Ayurveda emphasizes that anxiety and panic stem from Vata imbalance, often exacerbated by Pitta or low Ojas, along with irregular routines and overstimulation. Here’s how relevant practices could help:
1. Consistent Daily Routine (Dinacharya)
- Awake by sunrise, meals at regular times, bedtime by 10 p.m.
- Helps stabilize Vata and anchor the nervous system.
2. Grounding, Warm Diet
- Embrace warm, moist, nourishing foods: soups, stews, ghee, and cooked grains.
- Avoid cold, raw foods and stimulants like excess caffeine.
3. Herbal Support
- Ashwagandha for lowering cortisol and calming stress responses.
- Brahmi for mental clarity and easing restlessness.
- Jatamansi to promote restful sleep and reduce panic surges. source
4. Mind-Body Practices
- Abhyanga (warm oil massage) with sesame or coconut oil to soothe Vata nerves.
- Pranayama:
- Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to harmonize mind-body imbalance.
- Bhramari (humming bee breath) for immediate calming during panic. source
- Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to harmonize mind-body imbalance.
- Gentle yoga positions like child’s pose and forward bends to encourage grounding.
5. Strengthening Ojas and Sattva
- Cultivate emotional resilience through gratitude journaling, time in nature, devotional practices, and plenty of rest.
- These help shift the mind from frenetic Rajas to balanced Sattva, preventing the buildup that triggers panic.
Pulling It Together
These celebrities each faced anxiety and panic under intense public pressure. Integrating Ayurvedic daily rhythms, a grounding diet, calming herbs, and mind-body routines could have provided a buffer, helping them remain more centered and recalibrated during high-stress moments.