Elizabeth Olsen Opens Up About Severe Anxiety and Mental Health Struggles, Sharing How It Shapes Her Acting and Lifestyle
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Elizabeth Olsen has been candid about her battle with severe anxiety and panic attacks during her early twenties, shedding light on the challenges she faced and how these experiences have profoundly influenced both her personal life and career.
The acclaimed actress revealed that at age 21, while living in New York City, she endured panic attacks nearly every hour for a prolonged period. These attacks were often triggered by seemingly minor physical changes, such as moving from hot to cold environments or shifts in hunger levels, leading to overwhelming sensations where Olsen felt she might “drop dead at any moment.” To cope, she turned to breathing exercises and meditation—tools that helped her regain control and calm her spiraling anxiety.
This intimate understanding of mental health struggles has deeply informed Olsen’s approach to her craft. For example, in her portrayal of Christina in the 2023 Netflix film His Three Daughters, she incorporated breathing techniques mirroring her own coping mechanisms. Olsen’s openness about these challenges has resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to award nominations for emotionally complex roles such as in WandaVision.
Beyond mental health, Olsen is also recognized as a food enthusiast with a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially given the physical demands of roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Under the guidance of nutritionist Dr. Philip Goglia, she focused on body composition with a regimen including seven smaller meals daily—rich in protein shakes, iron-packed vegetables like kale and spinach, and various fish species such as salmon and sea bass. To reduce inflammation and maintain fitness, she avoided foods like beans, legumes, dairy, gluten, bread, and refined sugars during film preparations.
Though some reports have mentioned dietary adjustments due to high cholesterol, this claim remains unverified in public sources. Specific mentions of simpler meals like couscous and black beans—while plausible within a balanced diet—have not been substantiated in available interviews or articles.
A summary of Olsen’s health and dietary practices based on verified information includes:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Anxiety Management | Breathing exercises and meditation; panic attacks started at age 21 |
| Panic Attack Frequency | Nearly hourly attacks for six months triggered by physical shifts |
| General Diet | Smaller, frequent meals; fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, protein shakes |
| Foods Avoided | Beans, legumes, dairy, gluten, bread, refined sugars (during Marvel role prep) |
| High Cholesterol Claim | Not confirmed publicly |
| Couscous & Black Beans | Mentioned by some sources but unverified in public articles |
Elizabeth Olsen’s transparent discussions about her anxiety and health routines highlight not only her resilience but also a genuine commitment to authenticity both on-screen and off. Her mental health journey enriches her portrayals of complex characters, allowing her to connect deeply with audiences and provide a voice for those facing similar struggles.
As Olsen continues to balance demanding roles with personal wellness, she remains an inspiring figure advocating for openness and holistic health in the entertainment industry.
