Countryfile presenter Anita Rani has revealed she is battling "crippling anxiety", describing the experience as something that has "taken the wind out of my sails". The 48-year-old, who has presented the BBC programme since 2015, shared a video on Instagram in which she opened up about her struggles, admitting it was "not her usual kind of post" but something she felt she needed to discuss.
Presenter speaks candidly about 'deeply personal' struggle
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."
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."
Fans flood comments with support
She asked: "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?" Rani explained she felt compelled to speak out because she believes women don't talk openly enough about the subject, and urged people to share their advice.
The video has drawn more than 1,000 comments, with supporters offering their perspectives. 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." Another commented: "Oh Anita, you lovely thing, I'm so sorry. No tips, but sending love and empathy."
One more wrote: "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."
This is not the first time Rani has spoken candidly, having previously opened up about the power of saying "no" following her marriage split. Anyone with concerns about menopause is advised to contact their GP for further advice.
