Hayden Panettiere and Hollywood’s Dark Secrets of Drug Abuse

A child star that millennials knew so well has died shy of the age of 37. Hayden Lesley Panettiere was known to many millennials growing up as the Ice Princess, Claire Bennet from Heroes, and many other iconic roles. Sadly, this talented actress’s life was taken.

Like many child actors, Panettiere was exposed to the poor decisions that would have long-term effects on the health of many.  

This past spring, she released a memoir titled This is Me: A Reckoning. In it, she shared her career in Hollywood and how she formed dangerous habits.

“I was groomed. I was like a little soldier, and I always have been. No was never an option,” Panettiere wrote, recalling her time as an actress in the industry. “It was just, here are your scenes, here’s your dialogue, memorize it, hit the marks, do what your director tells you to do. I took my marching orders.”

Panetierre opened up in the book about her struggle with drugs while dealing with postpartum depression.

“I started self-harming in the form of substance abuse. “My people-pleasing had built up, and up, it was anger and anxiety and frustration.” She added.

This is a sad reality facing Hollywood today. Many celebrities are battling demons behind the camera and off the set. It is alarming that we are coming to this.

While there is mixed news about her passing, the most important thing we can do now is pray for her soul and the family going through this challenging bereavement.

Don’t be afraid to seek help if struggling with drugs, alcohol, postpartum depression, or any type of mental illness.