• Reese Witherspoon identifies as a person with high anxiety and has suffered severe panic attacks.
• Traditional methods like medication and meditation had limitations for her, partly due to ADHD.
• Hypnotherapy combined with neurolinguistic programming brought transformative relief.
• She advocates openly for acknowledgment and empathy towards anxiety sufferers.
• Witherspoon’s story reinforces the value of exploring unconventional therapies when conventional methods fall short.

Reese Witherspoon, the well-known actress famous for her roles in films like “Legally Blonde” and shows such as “The Morning Show,” recently discussed her struggles with severe anxiety and panic attacks. Speaking candidly on the “Las Culturistas” podcast on September 17, 2025, Witherspoon revealed that conventional solutions like medication and meditation didn’t work for her. Instead, finding a hypnotherapist who specializes in neurolinguistic programming (NLP) significantly changed her experience. This insight opens up possibilities for other less traditional therapies in managing anxiety, offering hope to those who may have exhausted conventional methods.

Reese Witherspoon Admits to Struggling with ‘Bad Panic Attacks’ and ‘High Anxiety’

In the podcast, Witherspoon described her anxiety as being closely tied to her performance-driven lifestyle. She shared, “You have to perform. You have to show up, which is a lot of my anxiety.” She candidly admitted to having experienced severe panic attacks, often accompanied by tears, highlighting the intensity of her battle. Her honesty brings to light the fact that anxiety affects people from all walks of life, even those who appear outwardly successful, resonating with many who endure similar silent struggles.

Tried Medication and Meditation but Found Limitations

Witherspoon also talked about her attempts to manage her anxiety using various methods. While she tried taking medication like Ativan, she felt that it left her feeling “like a zombie” and disconnected from who she truly was. She commented, “I wasn’t performing at the level I wanted to, and I wasn’t as funny.” Meditation was another tactic she explored, but her ADHD symptoms made it challenging to focus, reducing its effectiveness. Despite these attempts, the solutions proved inadequate, shedding light on the challenges some face in finding effective treatments for anxiety.

How Hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistic Programming Changed Things

The turning point in Witherspoon’s journey came at age 34 when she started working with a hypnotherapist specializing in neurolinguistic programming (NLP). She said, “She helped me realize that I was going to get the same result, but I could get rid of all the anxiety in the middle.” She called this approach “life-changing,” emphasizing that it allowed her to perform without carrying unnecessary stress. By combining hypnosis and NLP, this therapy reprogrammed her response to anxiety, enabling more effective emotional management.

Reese Witherspoon Advocates for Recognition of Real Anxiety Struggles

Witherspoon delivered a heartfelt message about anxiety’s reality and prevalence. “Anxiety is real,” she said. She expressed empathy for others going through similar difficulties, adding, “I see girls going through it or guys going through it … I wanna hug them.” Her words encourage destigmatization and understanding, emphasizing that anxiety is a common challenge needing compassionate acknowledgment.

Podcast Appearance on Las Culturistas: A Platform for Honesty

Her Sept. 17 appearance on Las Culturistas, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, was notable for its candidness and vulnerability. The show’s informal yet thoughtful style gave Witherspoon space to discuss complex feelings around anxiety and ambition. Matt Rogers noted that Witherspoon’s high anxiety was linked to her ambition and drive, a connection often overlooked but widely relevant among high achievers.

Reese Witherspoon’s Mental Health Journey Includes Postpartum Struggles

While the latest focus has been on her hypnosis experience, Witherspoon has long been transparent about mental health. She began therapy as a teenager to cope with anxiety and depression and has openly discussed postpartum depression following the births of her three children. Her lifelong journey with mental health exemplifies resilience and the ongoing need for evolving coping tools.

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