Beloved Thai actress and entertainer Peggy Sriathanya is shedding light on her ongoing battle with panic attacks and anxiety, revealing a deeply personal struggle she recently discussed on the talk show “Tor Nu maem.” Sriathanya’s openness comes amidst a career resurgence, including a recent role in the popular drama series The Crown Princess, and aims to destigmatize mental health challenges, particularly within a culture where emotional vulnerability is frequently enough discouraged. The actress is actively seeking therapy and support from colleagues like Charlotte Austin, as she navigates a return of symptoms triggered by a recent personal heartbreak.
Life’s Storms: “Peggy” Seeks Therapy to Cope with Panic Attacks, Leans on Charlotte for Support
Beloved Thai entertainer Peggy Sriathanya is opening up about a deeply personal struggle with panic attacks and anxiety, revealing she’s been working with a psychologist to navigate a difficult period in her life. Despite her public persona of fun and vibrancy, Sriathanya admits to a fragile emotional core, and has recently shared her experiences on the talk show “Tor Nu Maem.” The actress is experiencing a resurgence of a past battle with panic disorder, manifesting in fears of enclosed spaces and an inability to use elevators. She’s found support in fellow performer Charlotte Austin, Miss Grand Thailand, who understands the condition firsthand, and has also been looking to the lifestyle of actor Naphat Nauljamroon, who also lives with panic disorder, for inspiration.
“I’m a woman who doesn’t come across as someone you’d pity. I’m seen as a strong, even intimidating woman, and people don’t naturally sympathize with that,” Sriathanya explained. “When I went to therapy, I was told to just let it all out – to cry, to scream, to express everything I wasn’t okay with. I ended up crying for hours, realizing how lonely life can be. After three intense crying sessions, I finally felt a release. The doctor then talked about ‘re-wiring’ my thought patterns, almost like installing a new chip, and told me to repeat affirmations before bed: ‘The decisions I’ve made are okay, I did my best, I haven’t done anything wrong, I’m a hard worker, and I’m not at fault.’ Every time I wake up startled, I need to tell myself, ‘I’m strong, I’m good, I’m excellent, and I will get through this with intelligence.’ Just focus on resting and getting comfortable, and we’ll fight again tomorrow.”
Sriathanya revealed she first experienced panic attacks over a decade ago. “I had an episode about 10 years ago, before I even had a boyfriend. I was singing at a resort, and I got locked in a small bathroom. I kicked the door until I was bleeding, unable to get out until noon the next day when a housekeeper finally checked on me. I was terrified all night, screaming, and it turned into a fear of enclosed spaces. Now, I avoid them. I won’t go into small rooms, and I won’t take elevators. For a taping at Grammy Studios on the 11th floor, I always have the driver circle around so I don’t have to use the lift. Everyone knows I won’t take the Grammy elevator.”
The actress says the attacks returned with intensity following a recent heartbreak. “The symptoms came back after my breakup, and they really escalated in the second year. Just tying my hair back tightly can make it hard to breathe. It feels like falling from a thousand-story building. It’s a terrifying feeling – people with panic disorder are truly suffering. You feel like you’re dying, even though you’re breathing, it feels like you can’t get enough air. You’re afraid of everything – tight clothes, tight hair. I’ve even removed the doors from the bathrooms in my house because of my fear of enclosed spaces. When I go to restaurants, I don’t lock the bathroom door, and I always have a friend with me, telling them not to lock it either. I recently spoke with my psychologist, who was pleased I’m not relying on medication. I should be, but I’m afraid to take it. As someone who relies on quick thinking for my work, I fear medication will slow me down. I prefer natural therapies.”
