Abigail Spencer Says Stress and Anxiety “Almost Killed” Her in Candid Birthday Post

Image source: Getty / Rich Fury

Abigail Spencer is entering a new birth year with gratitude. In honor of her 41st birthday on August 4, the actress, who has appeared on numerous landmark shows from “Grey’s Anatomy” to “Mad Men,” shared photos of his recent trip to Paris with his son. In the caption and comments afterward, Spencer also wrote about the mental health challenges she faced in the past year, which often manifested in physical symptoms as well. “I feel compelled to share a little more with you about last year’s reflection as I set intentions and vision for the next one,” she said.

Spencer began by describing last year 40th birthday, which he spent at Onsite, a wellness retreat, where he underwent intensive trauma therapy. A single week in retreat can equate to 100 hours of therapy, Spencer said. “That week was radical and changed my life.” Although she felt ready to enter her pivotal year, it would end up being her most difficult yet. “I entered the most difficult year of my life,” she said. “It almost killed me, and if I hadn’t been training my mind, body and spirit and surrounded by the most incredible community of friends and healers, I don’t think I would have survived.”

Spencer didn’t reveal details, but she did explain the intense stress and anxiety she faced, which often made her physically ill or prevented her from leaving the house for days. “The stress nearly drove me crazy. I literally felt like the stress was eating away at my gut. Some days I couldn’t get up off the floor. Fear and loss had taken over. Anxiety would stop me. In the fight of my life , ” she said. “Everything felt so difficult.”

Her symptoms were so pronounced that Spencer at one point felt like she was having a heart attack until she spoke to a cardiologist who assured her she wasn’t. “I was a shell of a person. And the scariest part was that I felt alone,” she said. “Cut off from the divine, floating through space and time. I was as preoccupied with myself as I had been since my father died. I wasn’t doing well. A volcano about to erupt. I didn’t feel easy to love.” .”

Fortunately, Spencer was able to get through that challenging time, which she referred to as “The Gap,” by reconnecting with loved ones and leaning on self-care. “I scheduled my bereavement and physical care like it was my damn job,” she said. “Because it was.”

Gradually, she began to feel like herself again, even feeling energized about her career. “Every day someone or something came along to be a warm glow. I started to get my sense of humor back. I remembered that laughing was a choice.” She added: “Little by little I started to feel more at home with myself.” Spencer also described her recent trip with her son as the culmination of her journey back to health.

Spencer’s vulnerable post received an outpouring of support from her followers, including celebrities like Olivia Munn, Cara Santana, and Mindy Kaling, who commented, “You’re the best. Thanks for sharing this.”

If you or a loved one needs mental health support, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (988). You can also text “NAMI” to 741741 or email [email protected].