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Sprinkle Of Glitter: "Counselling changed my life"

Whether it's a low-level hum or a full-on panic surge, anxiety is nothing to brush off. Here, YouTube star Louise Pentland, 31, (aka Sprinkle of Glitter) shares her experience of the most commonly reported mental health issue, and the life-changing advice that helps her cope. As told to Lisa Harvey

"Over the past few years I've experienced horrible bouts of anxiety, usually when I travel. I hate being away from home and the familiarity of my surroundings. Perhaps it's a control thing, I'm not sure, but it brings on a fear of feeling trapped. When that moment hits, my whole body tenses up and my mind spirals, thinking the worst - that I'm not safe and can't get home. I start crying, my breathing is all over the place and, in extreme cases, I throw up. It's an exhausting process, but because it didn't happen all the time, I thought I could 'live' with it.

But everything came to a head last November, after my marriage ended. Life suddenly felt so different - and hard. I had a terrifying panic attack at home and rang my friend, Zoë Sugg (Zoella), who also suffers with anxiety. "Ambulance," I kept trying to say. She understood instantly. "You're safe, nothing is going to happen, you are not going to die," she repeated, until my breathing stabilised.

After that, I decided to seek counselling. I went once a week for six months, and I'd recommend it to anyone. When we feel stressed, anxious or panicky, our thoughts are a scribble; sometimes a massive mess in our head. My counsellor taught me how to put all my thoughts in a straight line, and to think more rationally when I feel overwhelmed.

Now, when my 'fear' strikes, I use the STOP method. First I stop and take a deep breath. The brain can trick us to think we're in danger, but deep breaths help slow a speeding heart rate, which psychologically calms us down. Next, I observe what's going on in my body (Am I in pain? No), remind myself I'm safe, then proceed: just keep going. It sounds simple, but it works for me.

I admit that in the past I was guilty of thinking people who felt anxious should just 'pull themselves together.' But it's not that easy. I try to be as honest as possible in my vlogs when I'm struggling with new places, experiences or stresses. Because I think anxiety is more common than we realise and it manifests itself in a thousand ways. Sometimes you can't even pinpoint why those feelings come about, but they're real and they can be extremely debilitating.

But it is possible to cope, and overcome anxiety.

What I learnt through counselling has changed my life, but there's also medication and other therapies. Any help starts with a conversation. As for the bigger picture, whether it's a low-level hum or a full-on panic surge, anxiety is nothing to brush off. And it's not a choice. Trust me - no one wants to feel this way. Accepting my anxiety, seeking help and just giving myself a break was the best thing I could have done. My advice? Listen to someone's struggle; open up about your feelings and keep the mental health conversation going."

3 more social-media stars who spoke about mental health

Essena O'Neill

In her video, Why I REALLY Am Quitting Social Media, the model breaks down after revealing how the 'fakeness' of her social media life made her feel lonely.


When vlogging sensation Zoë Sugg posted Dealing With Panic Attacks And Anxiety about her anxiety battle, she received 3.5 million views.


In Let's Talk About Mental Health, Finn Harries (half of twin-duo JacksGap) talks about his depression "the same way I would to a friend because that's exactly the way we should be approaching it."

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