Alexander Skarsgård Reveals PTSD From Years of Audition Anxiety

In January 2025, actor Alexander Skarsgård publicly revealed that he has experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to intense audition anxiety earlier in his career. The 47-year-old Swedish actor, best known for roles in Big Little Lies, The Northman, and True Blood, shared the emotional and psychological toll of high-pressure casting environments.

Speaking during a mental health panel in Stockholm, Skarsgård explained that his struggle with anxiety began in his early 20s, long before his breakout roles. “I would shake before auditions,” he said. “My chest would tighten, my hands would sweat, and I felt like I was going to pass out.”

He described a cycle of stress and panic that would begin days before an audition and continue long afterward—especially if the results were uncertain. Over time, these repeated episodes triggered trauma-like symptoms that persisted even when he wasn’t auditioning.

“It got to the point where I couldn’t sleep or eat properly before big opportunities,” he said. “I’d relive failed auditions in my head like flashbacks. It felt like something was broken inside me.”

Mental health professionals at the panel confirmed that while PTSD is often associated with life-threatening trauma, repeated emotional stress—such as fear of rejection or humiliation—can also lead to PTSD-like symptoms in some individuals. In performance-driven fields like acting, intense pressure and rejection can take a deep psychological toll.

Skarsgård emphasized that his experiences were not uncommon among actors, especially those working in competitive industries far from home. “You invest your whole identity into something you can’t control,” he said. “And when it doesn’t go well, it feels like a piece of you dies.”

The actor credited therapy, self-reflection, and support from family and friends for helping him break the cycle. He said his turning point came in his 30s when he started working with a therapist who helped him address the anxiety and process past failures. Breathing techniques, visualization, and journaling have also become key tools in managing his mental health.

“I still get nervous before auditions,” Skarsgård admitted. “But now I understand it. I know it’s not weakness—it’s part of caring deeply.”

Fans and fellow actors responded with praise for Skarsgård’s honesty, calling his story a powerful reminder that mental health challenges affect people at all levels of success. Industry peers thanked him for speaking out on a topic often hidden behind the glamour of Hollywood.

As of 2025, Skarsgård continues to work in both television and film. He remains committed to mental health advocacy and says he hopes more actors feel encouraged to seek help when needed. “You’re not alone,” he said. “And you’re not broken. You just need support—and sometimes healing takes time.”

Alexander Skarsgård’s message adds an important voice to the ongoing conversation about anxiety, trauma, and emotional pressure in creative industries.