Kathy Griffin Says She Suffered An 8-Hour Panic Attack, Has ‘Complex PTSD’

Comedian Kathy Griffin shared an account of her recent mental health struggles on social media, revealing that she suffered an eight-hour panic attack the day before.

“Eight hours of freaking writhing in pain in the bed,” Griffin exclaimed. “So today I felt like one might be coming on so I started to feel a little iffy, so I’m on my walk now, I’m outside and looking at the ocean, which is helpful — and I’m sort of almost mid-anxiety attack right now.”

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On her Instagram, Griffin explained that she has had “terrifying panic attacks” over the past year and has been diagnosed with “complex PTSD (C-PTSD).” She also said that she has previously gone to the emergency room to get IV fluids as a result of her panic attacks.

The 62-year-old stated that her PTSD attacks occur in the mornings such that every day she’s scared to find out if she’s going to be fine or not.

Griffin has said that she has ways to cope with her attacks such as getting over-dressed and putting on makeup for “almost no reason.” She mentioned that getting ready gives her something to do other than being in her own thoughts.

In a video caption on TikTok, she thanked her fans for their support. “It’s funny. I don’t have anxiety about performing, but I have anxiety about life.”

According to the U.K.’s National Health Service, people with PTSD can relive traumatic events “involuntarily and vividly.” C-PTSD patients have additional symptoms, including challenges with managing emotions and relationships.