The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars and mothers Kyle Richards, 54, and Jenna Dewan, 42, revealed their mental health struggle during annual Mental Health Gala arranged by National Alliance of Mental Illness Westside Los Angeles which was held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.
Richards's Anxiety History
I've been talking about this for years, and I've suffered from anxiety since I was like 12 years old. I think I had my first panic attack. So I've always talked very openly about that because to me, laughing and joking about it actually helps me, makes me feel better. So it's been a very open conversation anyway.
Richards's Role as Mother
I've always said to my girls, if you're ever struggling, or you're not handling something as well as you think you could be, and you don't feel to talk to your dad or to me, talk to a therapist type. So it's very pro therapy and in our home, and I'm grateful that my girls are very strong and together. But it's something, you know, really have to stay on top of, actually.
Richards's Family
Richards shares daughters Alexia Simone, 26, Sophia Kylie, 23, and Portia, 15, with husband Mauricio Umansky. She is also mom to 34-year-old daughter Farrah Brittany Aldjufrie, whom she shares with ex-husband Guraish Aldjufrie.
Dewan's Stigma Background
Everything with stigma is a big thing, I have a lot of mental health issues in my family and our history. And so I've seen family members of mine struggle. I've seen a lot of shame around it. I've seen a lot of not wanting to comport or accept the help that is needed. And so that needs to change. We need to discuss it more. It needs to be something that is openly okay to discuss, to get help for, And I think that talking about it is really one of the main ways to do it. Bring attention to this, and you don't have to struggle in silence.
Dewan's Advice Being a Mother
As a mother, you want to do everything you can to keep that communication open between your children and yourself. And so I do think sometimes in our history, we tiptoe around these things. Honestly, this is life. This is it. So we have to erase that.
Dewan's Family
Dewan shares son Callum, 3, with husband Steve Kazee, in addition to co-parenting daughter Everly, 9, with ex-husband Channing Tatum.
