Elizabeth Olsen Opens Up About Battling Hourly Panic Attacks at Age 21: ‘I Thought I Was Going to Drop Dead’
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Elizabeth Olsen, known widely for her role as Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has bravely shared her deeply personal journey with panic attacks, shedding light on the realities of anxiety faced even by those in the public eye. Her candid reflections, drawn from multiple interviews and reports up to June 2025, reveal both the intensity of her struggles and the strategies that helped her regain control.
Early Struggles with Panic Attacks
Olsen first spoke publicly about her panic attacks in a 2022 Variety interview, recalling how at age 21—while living in New York City—she experienced panic attacks on an almost hourly basis. “I remember I would get [panic attacks] on the hour every hour,” she revealed. One harrowing moment came when crossing 6th Avenue at 14th Street, where she felt physically overwhelmed and feared she might “drop dead at any moment.”
This six-month period of relentless attacks was triggered by seemingly minor physical changes—shifting from cold to hot, or hungry to full—that caused her body to spiral into panic. Multiple outlets, including People and E! Online, highlighted her description of feeling “literally spinning,” leading her to consult an ENT specialist who considered a vertigo-related cause.
Coping and Healing
To manage these episodes, Olsen adopted “brain games,” a technique taught by a friend involving naming everything she saw out loud while walking, designed to ground her during attacks. She also kept emergency medication on hand but preferred non-pharmacological methods. Rediscovering the benefits of exercise, especially yoga and fitness, helped her reconnect with her body and calm her mind—a contrast to her earlier athletic pursuits in ballet and competitive volleyball.
Her 2024 Guardian interview emphasized how breathing exercises and meditation became vital tools. She tied these coping mechanisms to her portrayal of Christina in Netflix’s His Three Daughters (2023), explaining how interrupting the thought spiral is key to managing panic attacks.
From Confidence to Crisis and Back
Olsen has been clear that anxiety was not part of her childhood. Interviews with BuzzFeed and others describe her as “very loud and confident,” making her sudden anxiety onset at 21 especially shocking. She contextualized this in a time when mental health discussions were far less prevalent than today, as noted in a 2024 Morning Honey article.
Recent Progress and Hope
By September 2024, Olsen reported to The Guardian that while she had experienced phases of anxiety and panic attacks over the years, she had not had a panic attack since learning and applying her coping techniques. She credited methods like naming objects to interrupt anxious thoughts and seeking out comforting social environments for helping her maintain stability. People also noted her ongoing improvement and openness about mental health.
Summary Table: Elizabeth Olsen’s Panic Attack Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age of Onset | 21 |
| Frequency of Panic Attacks | Every hour for six months |
| Physical Symptoms | Feeling dizzy, spinning, fear of dropping dead |
| Initial Diagnosis Attempt | ENT consultation for possible vertigo |
| Coping Techniques | Brain games, naming objects aloud, breathing exercises |
| Exercise | Yoga and fitness (shift from ballet and volleyball) |
| Mental Health History | Not anxious as a child; confident personality |
| Recent Status (2024) | No panic attacks since applying coping strategies |
| Public Discussion | Interviews with Variety, Guardian, People, BuzzFeed |
Elizabeth Olsen’s openness provides a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone—even those seemingly living their dreams. Her journey from debilitating panic attacks to recovery offers hope and insight to many navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of awareness, support, and effective coping strategies.
