Countryfile presenter Anita Rani has worried fans after opening up about a "crippling" problem she has been facing. The 48-year-old, a regular face on BBC's Countryfile since 2015, made a candid confession in a video posted on Instagram, admitting it was "not her usual kind of post" but she wanted to share her feelings in case anyone else felt the same.
Candid confession on Instagram
In the clip, Rani said: "I wanted to share something deeply personal with you, which I don't often do, so this in itself is weird. I have been experiencing something that I've never in my life experienced before, and it has taken the wind out of my sails actually."
She continued: "I am suffering crippling anxiety. I am overwhelmed, I am unsure, and for somebody who has dealt with life with the power of a first-born Indian daughter, who bosses life, [who] also just copes. I'm great at it."
Hormones and seeking advice
Rani added: "This is like, what the hell is going on? Every mechanism I have in place to just deal with stuff that's just come easily for way over 40 years to me is crumbling beneath my feet. Obviously, it's hormones, but here's the thing - do I take hormones or do I feel the feels? Am I supposed to feel this?"
She asked people for advice on what to do, as some things have left her feeling "teary" lately, something she would not normally experience. She said she wanted to speak about it because she does not think women speak up on the topic enough.
Support from followers
The video sparked a lot of conversation, with over 1,000 people commenting so far. One person wrote: "Oh darling girl. It is so overwhelming when it comes. I hear you. It was by far my biggest symptom with menopause and undid me quite a bit. Sending you so much love."
Another added: "Feel it, embrace it, love it. I can’t mask it anymore and I love embracing that feeling! I accept it and it’s okay." A third replied: "Love you for sharing this! It’s really extraordinary what goes on with hormonal changes. I definitely am more anxious and teary."
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "Oh Anita, you lovely thing, I’m so sorry. No tips, but sending love and empathy." One more expressed concern, writing: "Hope you’re okay lovely. Breaks my heart to hear you are experiencing this. I absolutely see you and have experienced this too and it’s horrid."
If you have any concerns about menopause, contact your GP for further advice.
