Actress and former pop star Patsy Kensit has spoken candidly about the darkest chapters of her life, opening up about a “lonely” menopause experience that left her feeling “lost” and “frightened.”
The former EastEnders actress, who is appearing on The Weakest Link today (February 14), has since become a vocal advocate for women’s health and mental well-being.
Patsy Kensit opens up about diagnosis
Speaking in a guest editor letter for Natural Health Woman in 2020, Kensit reflected on the emotional toll of going through menopause, describing it as one of the most disorienting periods of her life.
“When I was going through the menopause, it was utterly horrendous. I really felt like I’d lost myself for a few years. It was lonely at times and frightening,” she admitted.
While the conversation around menopause has grown in recent years, Kensit noted that she didn’t feel seen or heard during her own transition.
“I’ve learnt that being honest and vulnerable when something is difficult is incredibly empowering. Hiding my struggle only gave other people room to make their own inferences about what was happening to me,” she wrote.
Now, Kensit is determined to use her platform to amplify the voices of women navigating similar experiences.
She praised the growing “tidal wave” of honesty among women in midlife, saying the new openness is paving the way for better understanding and care.
“It opened the conversation so at least we’re informed about the changes we’re going through.”
She credits practices like breathwork, meditation, regular movement, and a strong support system with helping her feel more like herself again.
Patsy Kensit’s health
Meanwhile, in a vulnerable Instagram post last year, Kensit revealed another layer of her health journey: a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Although she didn’t share what triggered it, the diagnosis arrived during what she called the “saddest week ever.”
“I don’t feel great today,” she admitted in one post. “I feel grateful but sad. Anyone who has dealt with depression will understand, you are not alone.”
Kensit also spoke about the pressure many women feel in midlife to do it all, to manage careers, care for families and maintain appearances. She’s learned to reject that pressure.
“I’ve learned that the most important thing I need is rest, and plenty of it,” she shared. “I find women especially tend to feel guilty when they stop, and it’s so damaging. Allowing ourselves a little silence and stillness is a gift to our minds and bodies.”
Watch Patsy on The Weakest Link on Saturday (Feb 14) at 9pm on BBC One.
Read more: Patsy Kensit ‘broken and numb’ after being dealt triple blow that led to worrying health diagnosis
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