Ireland Baldwin Opens Up On Her Battle With Anxiety Disorder

Alec Baldwin's daughter, Ireland Baldwin, recently spoke about her mental health struggles and how important it was that she loved herself.

Last month, she took to her Instagram to encourage everyone to pay deaf ears to critics, mentioning how people tended to give power and control to other people.

"Maybe you don't experience this on the scale that I do, but the majority of us have been called names and have had assumptions made about us."

She also hasn't stopped sharing her mental health struggles. In 2015, she revealed on Instagram that she was suffering from anxiety. She also added that she got into a rehabilitation facility in California for emotional trauma, mentioning that she needed some time to work on herself.

She checked out of the facility three weeks later, and an insider told People that she was still active in the facility's programs.

On January 6, Ireland told followers of how she's been experiencing heart palpitations and chest pain due to her anxiety attacks. She posted a photo that featured a blood pressure monitor, which helped her deal with her cardiophobia.

"This is not an ad for a blood pressure machine," she wrote in the lengthy caption. "This is not an ad at all. I am posting this for whoever suffers with anxiety and anxiety disorders like I do. I ordered a blood pressure monitor to accurately read my heart rate and blood pressure because I live in a constant fear that I'm dying from a heart attack, also known as cardiophobia."

She added that the heart palpitations and pain which resulted from the anxiety convinced her of a medical condition that she didn't have. 

"I do not take medication. I don't believe in it but I understand some people need their medications. I have worked with anxiety specialists and I have gotten into breath work, but nothing brings me more comfort than an EKG."

She also expressed in the caption of times where her anxiety had been so terrible that she had to reach out to ambulances and had visits to hospitals where medical personnel assured her that her heart was fine.

The star has again shared more details on the side effects of her battle with anxiety. Under an image which she posted on Instagram, she revealed the frequency of her anxiety attacks and how quickly triggered they can be.

"It's anxiety attack time," she wrote in the caption. "This morning I had one cup of coffee on an empty stomach which turned into an anxiety attack! I am currently writing this from the bathroom floor. I usually sit here like this or lay in [a] fetal position until I can't cry or throw up anymore."

She also mentioned how coffee wasn't good for her as it was a reflux trigger and major esophageal irritator, which led to her anxiety episodes. "If you are an anxiety sufferer like myself, coffee isn't your friend."

She admitted to drinking because she was a "silly goose." She then asked her Instagram followers to share their experiences with mental health and coffee.

"Writing this and being open with y'all about my struggles helps it pass," she wrote. "If coffee makes you s*** your pants and make you experience this, please share below!"

In the same post, the model admitted to sharing her experience so she could help other anxious people feel less alone.

"I just want anyone who suffers from their own anxieties to know that I am here and you are not alone. It can be so embarrassing and isolating at times," the caption continued. "My anxiety has made me miss out on a lot in this life and my true 2022 goal is to not let it get in my way," she added. "I have anxiety that is caused by food, my digestive system, my heart, big crowds, talking about anxiety, airplanes, you name it."

She concluded by chipping in pieces of advice to help encourage other anxious people.

 "Hold on to your comfort item tight. Don't let people make you feel guilty for having to take a walk or take some space or stay home because you're not feeling good. Surround yourself with people who understand or at least try to. And if you're feeling anxious right now, deep breaths. You're going to be ok."

A lot of fans flocked to her post on Instagram, many of whom applauded her for her bravery and vulnerability.

Good for you," Billy Bush, the talk show host wrote. "Here's to progress."

"Thank you for sharing how normal the abnormal is," another comment read.

Another person shared how she could relate to her post and experience. "I thought I was the only one who had this. I've gone to the hospital multiple times in fear of having a heart attack and each time it's been anxiety. It can feel scary. Thanks for sharing."