Hayden Panettiere, the 35-year-old actress, opened up about her battle with agoraphobia following the tragic passing of her younger brother Jansen in February 2023. The loss of her only sibling, who died of an undiagnosed enlarged heart, took a toll on Hayden both emotionally and physically.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Hayden revealed that the stress and cortisol from the tragedy caused her to gain weight uncontrollably. She expressed how her body seemed to be protecting itself and shielding itself from the world after her brother’s death. Hayden admitted that she felt like she had lost half of her soul and that she would never be able to get over his loss, no matter how many years passed.
The ‘Heroes’ star shared that her struggles with agoraphobia, which she had dealt with in the past, resurfaced after the tragic event. She explained how she barely recognized herself during this difficult time and how the fear of not looking great when walking out the door had plagued her since she was just 16 years old.
Hayden’s journey through agoraphobia was a challenging one, as she found it hard to leave her house at one point. Despite her success as a child actress and singer, she has always been self-conscious about her appearance, especially in an industry where insecurities are often magnified by external pressures.
The actress’s story sheds light on the devastating impact of grief and loss on mental health and well-being. Hayden’s courage in speaking out about her struggles serves as a reminder that it’s essential to seek help and support during challenging times. Her journey towards healing and recovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
