Introduction
Former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson recently opened up about her devastating battle with depression and anxiety over the past several years, which culminated in a hospitalization four months ago. Wilkinson shared that she felt like she was “dying of depression” and still carries trauma from her time living at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner.
Background on Wilkinson’s Mental Health Struggles
Wilkinson first spoke publicly about her mental health issues back in 2018, when she admitted on social media that she had been struggling with depression and anxiety since her divorce from Hank Baskett. Over the next few years, she continued to be open about her mental health journey, sharing that she was having “really bad days” and encouraging others to seek help.
Last March, Wilkinson revealed that she had checked herself into treatment for anxiety and depression at a wellness center. She said it was something she had considered doing “for years” and that she wanted to work through childhood traumas.
Breaking Point: Hospitalization Last September
In her latest interview, Wilkinson shared new details about hitting “rock bottom” last September, when she was hospitalized for almost a week after what she described as a “very scary severe panic attack.” Wilkinson said:
“I felt so out of body. I couldn’t talk. I was numb. I felt helpless like nothing I could do would ever be OK. I didn’t feel like myself. The world was spinning.”
Doctors told her she was suffering from psychosis and trauma. Wilkinson recalled:
“They told me I wasn’t dying of depression and to never think that again because depression can feel like you’re dying sometimes and you’re not.”
Ongoing Effects of Time at Playboy Mansion
Wilkinson also opened up about the lingering trauma she still deals with from her time living at the Playboy Mansion as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends. Though she moved out after getting married in 2009, she said she still “gets triggers” thinking back to some of her negative experiences there.
“There was a routine I had to go through every Wednesday night to choose partners for Hef for Friday night movie night,” she shared. “It killed me inside wasting my life pleasing Hef instead of pleasing myself.”
Wilkinson wants a “healthy life” for herself and admitted she still struggles with finding herself and her self-worth.
Working Towards Healing
Though she is still on her mental health “journey,” Wilkinson said she is putting herself and her happiness first. She has continued therapy and made lifestyle changes like eliminating alcohol. She also credits the support of her friends and family for helping her through this difficult time.
Wilkinson shared an empowering message for others struggling:
“Live for YOU. Do what YOU want to do. Don’t let others dictate your life. You got this. You’re WORTH it.”
She said speaking openly is part of her own healing process:
“It’s cathartic for me. Helping others help myself.”
What’s Next
Wilkinson still deals with anxiety but said she now has coping tools to better manage when she feels paralyzed by fear or depression. She is focused on her inner peace and wants to continue therapy to keep working through traumas.
Later this year, Wilkinson plans to release a book going deeper into her struggles and journey with mental health. The book will include diary entries from her time at the Playboy Mansion. Wilkinson hopes that by sharing her story, it will help end the stigma around mental health issues.
Conclusion
Kendra Wilkinson’s willingness to speak so openly about her mental health battles is courageous and lends a voice to such an important issue. Her story highlights the lasting impacts traumatic experiences can have, as well as the daily struggles those with depression and anxiety face. Most importantly, Wilkinson’s message underscores the reality that with professional support, lifestyle changes, and self-care, people can take back control and work towards inner peace.
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