Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios Opens Up About Battle With Debilitating Anxiety

Miss Universe from Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, made history in the 72nd edition.

The beauty queen has now opened up about her battle with anxiety since age 18, noting that it once got so bad for her that she couldn't "get out of bed."

According to Palacios, she regained control of her life with the help of a therapist and a good fitness routine.

On November 18, Miss Universe made history as Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua secured the crown in the 72nd edition held in El Salvador among 84 contestants, becoming the first from Nicaragua to achieve this feat.

In an interview with Fox News, Palacios revealed that she aims to leverage her platform to raise awareness about mental health, mainly focusing on her struggles with anxiety.

The Miss Universe candidly revealed her battle with anxiety, which began at the age of 18. She detailed the challenges, saying, "It's not a secret that I have anxiety episodes. I couldn't manage my emotions," she said. "I didn't want to get out of bed."

She described how anxiety manifested with symptoms such as uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breath, intense emotional episodes, and pulling her acrylic nails.

Palacios likened anxiety to a burdensome chain, stating, "Anxiety was a weight, she said, that became "like a chain."

During the conversation, Palacios revealed that with the support of a therapist, she has regained control of her life and is determined to inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help.

Expressing a sense of responsibility, the beauty Queen said she aims to break the silence surrounding mental health challenges.

"A lot of people feel the same. Maybe people [feel they] don't have the money, don't have the tools or the time [to get help]. I'm here to say it's possible…" Palacios said.

She emphasized that access to mental health resources is possible, adding: "A lot of people don't know they have the right to [address] their mental health, to go to a therapist, to get an appointment with a psychologist or to talk about it without fear or without feeling like people are going to laugh because you feel that way."

Palacios underscored the importance of sharing her experience, noting: "So, I need to share my experience, my story,"

She continued. "It's important for people to connect with me, connect with my legacy, with what I do as Miss Universe. And not only as Miss Universe, because my reign is just one year. But my life depends on me."

In her effort to promote mental health awareness, Palacios is eager to share the "tools" that have been integral to her well-being.

The reigning Miss Universe emphasized the role of fitness in her daily routine, stating: "I love to dance all the time. I dance and listen to music until I sweat enough that I have to take a shower. Honestly, I don't exercise, but I hope to this year. I want to start a new workout routine because it helps me feel better. It helps me feel strong. But dancing is a part of my life. It makes me happy. … Sometimes I even like to do TikToks."

As she embraces her reign, Palacios said she feels gratitude for the interest in her story, especially from young admirers. "I feel so grateful because many people want to learn about my story," she said. "And it's funny, when little girls look up to you, they say, 'I want to be just like you.' I tell them, 'No, I don't want you to be like me. I want you to be a better version of me because you can do everything you want.' You have control of your life. You can manage your history and change your future. And that's what's truly beautiful."

During her chat with Fox News, the 23-year-old recalled being overwhelmed by the victory.

She shared her immediate thoughts, recalling, "In that moment, I was like, 'Oh my goodness. It's real? It's real. I can't believe it. I told the girls, 'This is not real.' And they told me, 'Yes, girl, you won.'… I thought of my mom and my family, Nicaragua, all the people in my country … and, of course, all the work I did before I started the competition. … It was like a dream come true."

Palacios recognized the responsibility that comes with the title, stating, "It's time to work because [this] is a job for you. It's a responsibility for all the little girls watching you right now."