Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 14, 2024 10:59 am GMT
Shailene Woodley Opens Up About Health Struggles in Her 20s
Shailene Woodley, known for her roles in films like “Divergent” and “The Fault in Our Stars,” recently shed light on personal health struggles she faced during her early twenties. As she navigated the challenges of fame and filming, Woodley found herself in a dire situation, battling severe health issues which left her unable to walk, eat, or even hear properly. Her revelations provide insight into a particularly tumultuous period in her life, characterizing it as a journey of exploration and healing.
Woodley’s health challenges began during the filming of “Divergent” in 2014. “It got to the point where I was losing my hearing,” she shared on the “SHE MD” podcast. “I couldn’t walk for longer than five minutes at a time without having to lay down for hours.” The actress was not only grappling with a lack of mobility but also intense gastrointestinal pain that made eating a daunting task.
The 32-year-old actress described her condition as a “conflation of issues and diagnoses,” sharing that she received mixed messages from multiple medical professionals.
Seeking Answers
Woodley’s quest for answers led her down various paths of healing. With a holistic background and knowledge in herbalism, Woodley decided to blend traditional and alternative medicine. She worked with both “real MDs” and “independent healers” to alleviate her symptoms and understand her health better.
– She noted:
– Many doctors suggested conditions like endometriosis or a tilted uterus.
– The mixed information created confusion and anxiety surrounding her health.
“I felt like they actually were figuring it out along the way as well,” Woodley explained, indicating her frustration with the medical guidance she was receiving. This uncertainty motivated her to take charge of her health, leading her to educate herself on various subjects related to wellness and healing.
The Long Healing Journey
Reflecting on her healing process, Woodley mentioned it was no quick fix. Over the span of nearly a decade, she oscillated between moments of well-being and setbacks, leading her to form a complex relationship with food and her body. “If everything I’m eating hurts my stomach, I’m now suddenly afraid of food,” she admitted. This led to struggles with body image and identity.
Moreover, the physical health issues also tapped into deeper emotional wounds. Woodley noted the impact of various traumas in her life, referring to experiences that left her with symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She emphasized the dual nature of her healing process: “I guess was the path for me along with the physical healing was acknowledging the mental side of the healing process.”
She found the connection between her mental state and her physical health to be significant. “My nervous system was super sympathetic and very much operating from a place of fear,” she said. “I hadn’t yet established what a calm nervous system could look like.”
Finding Balance and Health
Despite the challenges she faced, Woodley reported a turning point where her health eventually improved. Currently, she claims to be “very healthy” and no longer relies on thyroid medication or any other pharmaceuticals. She believes that one of the critical factors in her recovery was resolving her state of fight or flight, allowing her body to heal naturally.
– Her wellness journey highlights several essential aspects:
– The importance of holistic approaches alongside conventional medicine.
– Learning to listen to her body and prioritize mental health.
– Discovering her ability to overcome personal trauma and health struggles.
“I believe ultimately the thing that led me there was acknowledging that I was in a constant state of fight or flight,” Woodley explained. This journey pushed her to become more introspective. “I had to focus on what true safety looked like within myself to allow my physical health to transform,” she concluded.
A Message for Others
Shailene Woodley’s story serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles those in the public eye experience. Her willingness to share her journey may inspire others who face similar health challenges. The actress highlighted the importance of intuition and personal knowledge when dealing with health issues, encouraging listeners to seek holistic methods if they feel they aren’t being sufficiently supported by traditional treatment.
“I’m so happy to say that,” she expressed, reflecting on how her health has transformed over the years. Woodley’s experience reminds us all of the power of resilience and the importance of not giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Shailene Woodley is a great example for people working on their health. She shows us that it’s important to take care of ourselves while also following our dreams, like acting. Shailene reminds us that healing doesn’t happen overnight, but we can always find a way to feel better and find peace inside.
