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Emma Stone opens up to friend Jennifer Lawrence about her battle with anxiety

The La La Land star spoke about her mental health issues in a new interview

Sophie Hamilton
Parenting Editor
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Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone has spoken about her battle with anxiety in a new interview with her good friend, Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence. Talking in ELLE, Emma opened up about her lifelong struggle with the mental illness and how acting has been her saviour. Emma said: "I am sensitive on a level that is problematic." She added: "I mean, I’ve talked to my therapist about it before, and she’s like, Thank God you found [acting]." The star also revealed that she often calls her close pal Jennifer when she's not feeling ok and having sleepless nights. It's a rare personal chat and a brave one for Emma to share with fans.

emma jennifer© Photo: Rex

Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone

Jennifer asked Emma what she thinks caused her anxiety – was she born with it or did something in her life make her very sensitive? The La La Land star replied that she believes it's a combination. Emma reveals how her anxiety first started age seven, when she had her first panic attack. "I think your wiring is just kind of what you are. My mom always says that I was born with my nerves outside of my body."

However, Emma says she feels fortunate for having anxiety as the positive is the high energy it gives her.

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The Hollywood has spoken about her mental health issues several times in the past. In 2017, Emma teamed up with the Child Mind Institute, a non-profit organisation which works with children who struggle with mental health and learning disorders. In a video, she explained: "What I would tell my younger self about having anxiety is that life goes in stages. It has always been something that I've lived with and it flares up in big ways at different times in my life."

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