Elizabeth Olsen Recalls Her Life-Altering Panic Attacks: ‘I Never Knew Anxiety Could Feel Like This!’

Elizabeth Olsen, widely recognized for her role as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently opened up about a significant personal experience that she describes as her “big moment.” For the actress, this pivotal moment was not a career milestone or public recognition, but rather the first time she encountered a panic attack at the age of 21. Olsen’s reflection on this challenging period offers a candid look at how she navigated mental health struggles and ultimately found resilience.

A Sudden Onset in New York City

At the time, Olsen was living in New York City, a place she fondly recalled for its vibrancy and excitement. However, this bustling environment also became the backdrop for her first brush with panic attacks, which hit her unexpectedly. She described her childhood as being free from anxiety, characterized instead by confidence and loudness. The onset of her panic attacks marked a stark departure from her previous sense of self.

The attacks began when Olsen was crossing 6th Avenue at 14th Street, near her home on 13th Street, a seemingly ordinary moment that would become tied to a period of intense psychological and physical strain. For six months, she experienced panic attacks “on the hour, every hour.” These repeated episodes were debilitating, leaving a profound impact on her daily life.

The Overwhelming Symptoms and Initial Struggles

During these attacks, Olsen would feel as though she might “drop dead” at any moment, a terrifying sensation that left her overwhelmed. Her body would react sharply to shifts in temperature or changes in her physical state, like moving from full to hungry. These triggers sent her into spirals of anxiety, which were compounded by vertigo-like sensations that made the world feel disorienting and unstable.

Initially, Olsen sought help from an ENT doctor, suspecting that her symptoms might be related to vertigo. However, after further evaluation, it was determined that her panic attacks were anxiety-related. This diagnosis, while offering some clarity, did little to alleviate the intense fear and confusion she felt during this period. Olsen was left to find her own way of coping with the escalating anxiety.

Finding Coping Strategies: Yoga, Fitness, and Mental Exercises

Determined to regain control of her life, Olsen sought out coping mechanisms that would allow her to manage her anxiety without fully relying on medication. She turned to a friend, who had been seeing a neuropsychiatrist, and learned “brain games” that helped her ground herself during attacks. These techniques, similar to acting exercises she had practiced at the Atlantic Acting School, focused on repetition and mental focus to break the cycle of spiraling thoughts.

Olsen also rediscovered her love for yoga and fitness, activities she had enjoyed as a child through ballet and competitive volleyball. These physical practices gave her a sense of control and stability, helping her reconnect with her body in a positive and healing way. Despite the severity of her panic attacks, Olsen expressed a preference for managing her anxiety without medication, though she kept emergency medication on hand for particularly severe episodes.

Personal and Professional Insights on Mental Health

Olsen’s experience with panic attacks ultimately deepened her understanding of mental health, a journey she has shared publicly in interviews, including a candid discussion with Variety on mental health. She reflected on how her initial lack of understanding about anxiety evolved into a more nuanced perspective, one that allowed her to approach her mental health with greater compassion and awareness. This personal growth was not only crucial for her well-being but also impacted her professional life. As an actress, managing the demands of her career while navigating anxiety brought an additional layer of complexity to her experience, but it also shaped her resilience.

Today, Olsen’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the strength required to confront personal challenges. Her journey from fear and confusion to understanding and management offers hope to others struggling with anxiety, showing that while the road may be difficult, it is possible to regain control and find a sense of peace.