Viewers remember the long-standing character Shona McGarty in EastEnders. And now the actor reveals the problem that began when she was a teenager. The actor has opened up about facing social anxiety. Moreover, it’s a part of the NGS, which urges people to come forward for support. Keep scrolling to learn more.
EastEnders Star Shona Talks About Social Anxiety And How It Started
Shona states that the main turning point was when she was around fifteen years old. She pointed out, “I was always a very talkative kid. But as I got older, it was as if the walls fell down around me.” Although the star of the show, talking, is what her role is based on, she met the challenge of talking; it became a struggle whenever she had to have a conversation.
Whenever she met new people, the Whitney Dean actor felt uneasy. Family gatherings were hard for her. Her heart raced and her hands shook. She sometimes faked a phone call to leave the room. Comments like “Shona’s so shy” or “she’s so quiet” stayed for a long time and created weight.
Later, Shona described how things gradually got better. She mentioned that the panic is not that intense anymore. If it happens, she handles it. Another big change came from speaking openly. “Acknowledging social anxiety instead of fighting it,” the actor said. According to Shona, many people deal with similar feelings, and talking about it breaks the hold it creates.
NHS Campaign Brings More Voices Together
The campaign is aimed at people suffering from common anxiety disorders. On top of that, social anxiety, PTSD and OCD are also among the issues addressed by this campaign, which is urging anyone showing these signs to talk to someone.
The actor is also joined by Charlie King from The Only Way Is Essex and former footballer Clarke Carlisle. According to Dr. Adrian James, the National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, a considerable number of people have already taken NHS help and even more, in fact, millions, can benefit from it.
Elsewhere, Shona played Whitney Dean on the BBC soap. In her final storyline, the character learnt that her fiancé, Zack Hudson, had cheated on her with her best friend, Lauren Branning. This forced Whitney to call off the wedding. Later, she wanted to come free of toxic relationships.
And so she decided to leave Walford as a single mother. She moved to Wakefield with her newborn daughter, Dolly, and Britney. Meanwhile, do you miss Whitney? Let us know in the comments. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.