Little Mix has come a long way since their X Factor days. They have grown from teenagers just starting out in the music industry, to four strong and confident women -under the sometimes harsh glare of the media spotlight-who are not afraid to speak out and use their platform and influence to help others.
Perrie recently took to Instagram to be open and honest with her followers. She opened a detailed post that venting her feelings is good and that she wanted to be honest with everyone. What followed was a brave and raw post, where she detailed how for the past few years she has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks.
With stark and brutal honesty, within the post, she takes her followers on a journey. She describes her first panic attack, and it overwhelmed her, she felt as if she was having a heart attack.
The first panic attack was so intense and overwhelming I felt like I was having a heart attack, I was so scared and confused and had no idea what was happening to me.
Perrie Edwards
She goes on to describe the crushing isolation and loneliness she felt, even though she had people around her she couldn’t reach out and talk to them, as she couldn’t understand herself what was happening
I’m not sure what triggered that first one but it soon spiralled & I found myself in a really dark place, feeling alone and scared. I had people around me but I couldn’t explain to them what was happening to me or why.
Continuing she tells of how it took over her life and the toll it took on her. Her journey to therapy and to finding what triggers her and the ultimate acceptance that she has anxiety and probably always will.
I’m happy to say that the physical attacks have stopped but unfortunately, the anxiety still lives on. The reality is it probably always will.
Perrie Edwards
For many who read her post on her Instagram account, it was eye opening and something that many could relate to. According to leading charity Anxiety UK
1 in 10 young people experiences a mental health disorder.
Nobody’s experience of anxiety is the same as the next person’s.
Anxiety UK
Perrie opening up about her own personal struggle with panic attacks and anxiety is another step in a positive direction. It’s encouraging. It’s helping to de-stigmatize mental health and how it’s good to talk. That no matter how you feel, you truly are not alone. Talk to a loved one, a friend, a complete stranger. It doesn’t matter, just the simple act of talking can help.
the thing that helped me the most was discovering I’m not alone. I’m not the only person going through this. There are people all over the world feeling the exact same way I do! As soon as I realised I wasn’t going insane I felt more eager to beat it. I had therapy and I surround myself with my loved ones. Talking to someone relieves you of SO MUCH STRESS.
Perrie Edwards
For more information on anxiety and panic attacks, how to get help and how you can support your friends and loved ones if they suffer from them please have a look at Anxiety UK and Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).