‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Camilla Luddington Opens Up About Her Therapy Journey on Twitter
Fans of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy have seen Dr. Jo Karev, played by actress Camilla Luddington, go through various trials over several seasons since she first appeared on the show in 2012. Most recently dealing with being served with divorce papers by husband Alex Karev, Luddington’s character is proving to be a pillar of strength in times of tumult.
In Season 15, Jo sought counseling after a series of traumatic details were revealed regarding her biological parents. The actress felt a great responsibility in portraying the process as accurately as possible, sharing that she made the decision to seek therapy after the birth of her daughter in 2017.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star’s reason for entering therapy
In a previous interview with Bustle in October, Luddington revealed that she unexpectedly lost her mom at age of 19. When she welcomed daughter Hayden with husband Matthew Alan in April 2017, the Grey’s actress began to experience bouts of anxiety, which she felt were caused by unresolved feelings from her mother’s death.
“When I had a child, a lot of my own trauma from losing my mom when I was younger kind of came up with me now being a parent to my own daughter,” Luddington told Bustle. “I started to get a lot of anxiety. I was constantly afraid that I was going to die early and leave her. I didn’t understand that anxiety was so overwhelming because I have never suffered from anxiety before in my life,”
Luddington decided to seek counseling so she “could parent in a way without this anxiety that something was going to go wrong,” saying “there was so much strength and, honestly, release in being able to go and seek out a therapist and speak about it to somebody.”
Camilla Luddington gets real on Twitter
When one of her followers asked what prompted the actress to enter counseling, Luddington was very transparent in her responses.
“I started going after I gave birth,” the Grey’s star tweeted. “I lost my mother suddenly when I was young and began to have A LOT of anxiety surrounding that and having a daughter of my own. Having a kid triggered some stuff for me I didn’t even know I was holding onto. Therapy was freeing.”
Luddington advised her followers to continue with therapy even while in quarantine due to the current coronavirus crisis, recommending FaceTime or virtual sessions.
Twitter followers share their stories with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actress
Luddington’s openness started a dialogue with her many followers, where they shared their own struggles with anxiety and experiences on pursuing therapy.
“How were you able to open up and become comfortable with someone you’ve only just met?” a fan asked the actress. “i’m just so scared of being judged even though i know it’s their job to listen.”
“I started therapy a few months after mums cancer diagnosis and i was low/ almost at the point of suicide,” another follower shared. “It saved my life completely. It taught me to love myself and to let others in. Would recommend 100% i dont have it anymore but im proud of how far i have come.”
Luddington validated those who were hesitant to share their issues with a professional, but added that it’s worth the leap of faith. “I was terrified of having to talk to someone, but I was also exhausted by my own thoughts/emotions/anxiety,” the Grey’s star revealed. “It really is an amazing gift to give yourself.”
The British actress was applauded by her followers for her openness, seeing her as a motivation to reach out for help.
“It has always been difficult for me to adapt to changes, to make new friends, to love myself, to have faith in myself, but now, i’m able to realize how strong i’m,” a follower tweeted. “although it may seem strange, u r one of the reasons why i can move forward, u r my role model and i’m so proud of u.”
“Thank you so much, i really think i’m going to try and get some help once all of this ends,” another shared.
“It means a lot that you’re taking about this,” a fan posted in praise of Luddington. “to many people struggle with anxiety and mental stability and you discussing your experiences makes me feel safe and it’s just super relatable. thank you so much camilla.”
Luddington’s transparency is one of the many reasons she is a fan fave!
