Rebecca Adlington has spoken about her experience of panic attacks, which began to affect her last summer.
The two-time Olympic gold champion said despite having friends and family who are open about mental health problems, she has struggled to talk about her experience with loved ones. “I haven’t really told anyone,” she said.
The swimmer explained: “They started coming every week last summer. That’s when I decided to go to therapy. I still get panicky, but I have not had a panic attack for months now.”
In the interview with The Mirror, Adlington said she’s learned from friends and family that everyone has different triggers for panic attacks, adding: “Mine are always to do with death and the unknown, and control and stuff.”
“Loads of my friends and family members have all suffered from mental health problems over the last 10 years, so it’s not something that is hush-hush in our family anyway,” she said.
In a 2017 interview with HuffPost UK, Adlington said her life has “completely changed” since becoming a mum.
“All new mums suffer from lack of confidence in one way or another, and we need to support one another and help each other to find solutions,” she said.
“Speak to someone and find a solution for you no matter what the issue.”
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.