Lili Reinhart Reveals Chronic Illness and Anxiety Battle in Powerful Speech

In a White House event on January 22, 2025, actress and mental‑health advocate Lili Reinhart spoke openly about battling a mysterious, autoimmune-like illness alongside long‑standing anxiety. Her candid remarks marked a moment of bravery and awareness on a national platform.

Reinhart, 28, detailed how she spent four years managing symptoms often dismissed as minor issues—fatigue, pain, and inflammation. She said her doctors now suspect an autoimmune condition, though they have not confirmed a specific diagnosis. She also confirmed she battles anxiety and panic attacks, a struggle she has faced since adolescence.

She spoke with emotion about the effort required to advocate for herself in healthcare settings. “Don’t let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain,” Reinhart said.

Reinhart also shared that the illness followed the terminal cancer diagnosis of her grandmother, which she said triggered both deep grief and renewed urgency for her self‑care journey. She noted the timing felt surreal: giving a speech about mental health at the White House while suffering intense physical discomfort.

The actress explained her current treatment includes weekly bladder instillations to manage pain and inflammation. She referenced past misdiagnoses, initially a urinary tract infection—and the relief of finally receiving targeted care.

Reinhart emphasized the link between chronic physical illness and mental‑health challenges. She said anxiety and panic attacks often compounded her condition, and the stress sometimes made her symptoms worse. She urged the audience to consider how unseen illness can worsen emotional health.

Rest, therapy, and self‑care routines now play a major role in her life. She credited her grandmother’s strength and her own determination for inspiring her commitment to listen to her body. She also noted her activism and her Personal Day skincare line are connected to her health journey.

Advocates praised Reinhart for shining a light on health issues that often go overlooked—especially pain and illness in young women. Many noted her White House speech may help reduce stigma and encourage self‑advocacy. Experts agree early recognition of chronic and autoimmune‑like conditions can improve outcomes.

Reinhart remains active in advocacy. She continues to speak at events, share honest updates on social media, and promote mental‑health awareness. She also supports better access to diagnosis, care, and empathy in medicine.

By sharing her story from a prestigious national stage, Lili Reinhart added a powerful voice to the conversation on chronic illness and anxiety. Her message resonates: trust your pain, speak up, and know you are not alone.