Kelly Ripa, the beloved host of โLive with Kelly and Mark,โ recently shared a deeply personal revelation about her decision to start therapy at the age of 40. In a candid and heartfelt discussion on her podcast, โLetโs Talk Off Camera,โ Ripa disclosed that a seemingly innocent encounter with a friend at a bar mitzvah triggered her journey into therapy.
The catalyst for Ripa seeking professional help was when a friend asked her how she was doing, leading to unexpected tears. Reflecting on the incident, Ripa humorously shared, โI started sobbing, and I wasnโt entirely sure why.โ Recognizing the need for support, her friend promptly recommended a therapist.
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Therapy, according to Ripa, provided her with profound insights into self-discovery. โI really got to know myself,โ she shared enthusiastically. โI finally understood why I had such difficulty embracing success of any kind.โ This honest and authentic admission sheds light on Ripaโs ongoing struggles with social anxiety disorder, a topic she delves into further in her upcoming memoir, โLive Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories.โ
In her memoir, Ripa reveals the daily challenges she faces due to social anxiety. Contrary to popular belief, she explains, โPeople think that because Iโm an extrovert on television, I am one in real life. Surprise! Thatโs why they call it acting.โ
Ripaโs revelations extend beyond therapy, delving into her broader emotional struggles. She openly shares, โI cry in the shower. I cry myself to sleep. I cry backstage. Sometimes I feel like I canโt breathe.โ These raw and vulnerable admissions showcase the pain and turmoil she endures in her personal life.
During the podcast episode, Ripa was joined by Tyler Perry, who shared his perspective on therapy. Although he himself has never participated in therapy, he noted how Meghan Markle spoke to him โlike a therapistโ during her tumultuous departure from the royal family. Perry emphasized the therapeutic nature of writing, a process he learned from his friend Oprah, describing it as โcatharticโ and a way to externalize pain.
By sharing her own vulnerabilities, Ripa hopes to inspire others to seek help when needed and foster a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding mental well-being. Her openness and honesty encourage us all to prioritize our mental health.
To listen to Ripaโs insightful discussion on mental health and the benefits of therapy, watch the video below.
Has Ripaโs journey and openness about therapy resonated with your own experiences with mental health? Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing and self-discovery. You are not alone on this journey.
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