Janet Street-Porter of Loose Women Shares Struggle with Severe Health Anxiety
Janet Street-Porter, a long-time panellist on the show “Loose Women,” has revealed her struggle with severe health anxiety. At 78, the broadcaster is taking a brief hiatus from the program to recover from a hip replacement surgery. This marks her second surgery in recent months, necessitated by her ongoing battle with arthritis.
Health Anxiety and Surgery
Street-Porter opened up about her experiences during a recent episode, stating, “I’m having my hip replacement operation at last. And I can’t think about anything else.” She described feeling anxious, with symptoms like shaking and cold hands leading up to her procedure.
During the October 14 segment of the show, the topic of health anxiety arose. Christine Lampard, a fellow panellist, facilitated the discussion, prompting Street-Porter to share her feelings regarding her sometimes “crippling” anxiety. She contextualized her concerns by reflecting on a recent incident where her neck suddenly jammed while she was working in Bury St Edmunds.
Management of Health Anxiety
Street-Porter revealed her attempts to manage her health issues through physiotherapy and pain medication. She admitted, “I’ve taken a cocktail of painkillers,” in her quest to alleviate her pain. While she is striving to operate at “peak capacity,” even minor ailments can trigger overwhelming anxiety for her.
“If anything goes wrong with my body, I absolutely catastrophise,” she said. This intense response can lead to heightened stress and fear regarding her health. Street-Porter also emphasized that while she aims to live a fulfilling life, any potential health concerns can negatively affect her mental state.
The Broader Conversation
The discussion on “Loose Women” was not just limited to Street-Porter. The panelists collectively shared their fears and experiences related to health anxiety. This open conversation underscores the significance of discussing health anxieties, which affect many individuals.
Key Points:
- Janet Street-Porter is 78 years old.
- She is undergoing surgery for a hip replacement.
- Street-Porter has been a part of “Loose Women” since 2011.
- She experiences severe health anxiety, exacerbated by her arthritis.
- Recent neck issues have compounded her anxiety.
“Loose Women” airs weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV1 and can also be streamed on ITVX. The discussions surrounding health and mental wellness continue to be relevant, highlighting the importance of seeking support and sharing experiences.
