Dove Cameron’s rise to fame wasn’t all glitz and glamour. The 29-year-old actress, known for her role in Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie, recently opened up about the crushing weight of overnight stardom, revealing how it triggered full-blown panic attacks. Speaking on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast on April 7, 2025, Cameron shared the raw reality of navigating fame while grappling with personal tragedy. Her candid discussion of “dove cameron panic attacks” sheds light on the hidden struggles many young stars face in the spotlight.
A Sudden Spotlight Amidst Personal Grief
Dove Cameron was thrust into the public eye as a teenager, starring in a show that reached an estimated 900 million homes worldwide. But behind the bright smile and polished performances, she was battling an unimaginable loss. In 2011, Cameron’s father died by suicide, a heartbreak that left her reeling as she tried to maintain a public persona. The actress described this period as one of profound grief, compounded by the pressure of sudden fame on a massive scale.
The Weight of Disney Channel Fame
For many young viewers, Cameron was a household name, embodying the bubbly energy of her dual roles on Liv and Maddie. Yet, the actress revealed that the reality of appearing in countless living rooms worldwide felt suffocating. The introverted star struggled to reconcile her private pain with the public’s expectations, leading to what she described as “full panic attacks.” This clash between personal identity and public image became a defining challenge of her early career.
Navigating Panic Attacks in the Public Eye
Cameron’s experience with panic attacks during her Disney Channel years paints a stark picture of the mental health toll fame can take. She spoke openly about the overwhelming anxiety that gripped her, often at moments when she felt least equipped to handle it. These episodes, she explained, were not just fleeting nerves but intense, debilitating reactions to the unrelenting scrutiny and pressure of her role. Her story underscores the hidden battles many child stars endure.
The Role of Therapy in Her Recovery
Fast forward to 2025, and Cameron credits therapy as a cornerstone of her journey toward mental stability. On the podcast, she emphasized how professional support helped her process both her grief and the unique stressors of fame. Therapy provided tools to manage anxiety and rebuild her sense of self, offering a lifeline during some of her darkest moments. Her openness about seeking help serves as a powerful reminder of its importance, especially for those in high-pressure industries.
Finding Strength in Supportive Environments
Beyond therapy, Cameron highlighted the impact of working on supportive sets in recent years. She noted that being surrounded by understanding colleagues and crews made a significant difference in her ability to cope. These safe spaces allowed her to focus on her craft without the constant fear of judgment or collapse. Her experience points to the broader need for healthier work environments in entertainment, where mental health is prioritized over performance at all costs.
A Call to Young Performers
Perhaps the most striking part of Cameron’s interview was her heartfelt advice to young performers. She urged aspiring actors and artists to seek out safe spaces early in their careers, emphasizing that mental health must come before the demands of the industry. Her words carry weight, coming from someone who lived through the isolating highs and lows of child stardom. Cameron’s message is clear: no role is worth sacrificing your well-being.
The Broader Context of Mental Health in Hollywood
Cameron’s story is not an isolated one. The entertainment industry has long been criticized for its impact on mental health, particularly for young stars. According to resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect millions, with unique stressors like fame amplifying the risk. Additionally, studies summarized by Pew Research show a growing awareness of mental health challenges among younger generations, including those in high-visibility careers.
Why Cameron’s Honesty Matters
By sharing her struggles with dove cameron panic attacks, the actress adds her voice to a growing chorus of celebrities breaking the stigma around mental health. Her vulnerability on a platform like Armchair Expert offers a glimpse into the human side of fame, reminding fans and fellow performers that even the brightest stars face dark days. In 2025, as conversations about mental wellness continue to gain traction, Cameron’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope.