Lisa Snowdon has opened up about crippling panic attacks during menopause that left her feeling unable to do her job. The 54-year-old television presenter and former model told Prima magazine that her confidence was at rock bottom as she struggled with anxiety.
Panic Attacks and Menopause
Snowdon, a regular on ITV's This Morning, admitted that at the height of her menopause, anxiety severely impacted her work. She said: 'My confidence was at rock bottom, and I was having panic attacks thinking, 'I can't do my job.''
She recalled a particularly difficult moment: 'One time, I had a hosting job in front of 1,000 people, all in the industry, and I had panic attacks, thinking, 'How do I get out of it?' It messed with my head, I lost myself. There were jobs I turned down that I should've done, but I can't dwell on it.'
New Chapter and Renaissance
Despite also suffering hair loss during this period, Snowdon's health has improved. She described it as a renaissance: 'I'm 54 now and see this time in my life as a new chapter. It's important to reframe ageing in a more positive way.' She added: 'I don't have children, so it's easier for me than mums juggling teenage children, but it's a powerful time for us to reconnect with ourselves and make big life changes. It's the second spring.'
Meningitis Battle
This is not the first health battle Snowdon has discussed. Earlier this year, she opened up about contracting meningitis in 2010, which led to hospitalization. She now advocates for awareness of the symptoms. She told the Mirror: 'Don't be a hero. As I learned, your health is the most important thing. Familiarise yourself with the signs and the symptoms, because meningitis can manifest itself in a flu-like way and you can mistake it for a bug. The Meningitis Now website is a brilliant resource.'
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
