Reality TV personality and influencer Millie Mackintosh has made a candid revelation about her mental health, sharing that a therapist told her she is 'addicted' to her anxiety. The 36-year-old former Made In Chelsea star discussed the methods she now uses to regulate her nervous system and find calm.
Therapist's Diagnosis and Lifestyle Shifts
Millie explained that she recently began seeing a new therapist whose theories 'really hit home' for her. A pivotal moment came when the therapist suggested her daily coffee habit was exacerbating her state of mind. 'One of the things she said that really hit home was that she thinks I'm addicted to my anxiety and by having that coffee and caffeine everyday, it was keeping my nervous system in a more stressed out state,' Millie shared.
In response, she has given up her daily coffee and replaced it with a morning cup of bone broth. She has also incorporated specific techniques designed to quickly calm the body's stress response.
Calming Techniques for the Nervous System
Millie is practising two main techniques to manage acute anxiety. The first is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or 'tapping'. This involves tapping on specific points on the face and body while repeating affirming statements. 'You tap on these different points while saying statements. You tap different points on your face and go, even though this feeling is really uncomfortable, I still choose to love and accept myself,' she described.
Her other favourite method is The Psychological Sigh, a breathing exercise. 'You breath in quickly through your nose twice, lift up your shoulders and then... it instantly does something to your brain,' she said, noting its immediate effect.
Dietary Changes to Support ADHD and Balance
This focus on nervous system regulation follows Millie's recent detailed disclosure about her diet, which she says has 'honestly really helped with my ADHD'. She explained that about a year ago, she cut out refined sugar after a 10-day detox made her feel so good she maintained the change.
She now follows an 80/20 approach, focusing on wholefoods without being overly rigid. 'Eating this way has also really changed how I think about food... It’s less about restriction and more about nourishment and thinking of food as medicine,' she wrote on Instagram.
Her typical daily intake includes:
- Morning: Bone broth, hot water with lemon, and electrolytes.
- Breakfast: A protein, almond butter, and berry smoothie after the school run.
- Lunch: Often a vegetable-packed soup with added protein like eggs, fish, or chicken.
- Dinner: Centred around protein, such as a curry or stew with vegetables.
- Snacks: Nuts, chia pudding, or keto snacks if needed.
Millie emphasised that her routine is not extreme but is tailored to help her feel balanced and focused. She shared her experience to show what works for her, while acknowledging that 'we’re all different'.
