There's an endless list as to why Lena Dunham is awesome. The actress not only created an Emmy-nominated TV series, but she also wrote a New York Times best-selling book. Oh, and she is always unapologetically herself — which probably is the best part about it. Proving this point, Lena Dunham opened up about anxiety and exercise in an inspiring Instagram post on Saturday. Sharing a sports bra selfie, Dunham bravely wrote in the caption:
Promised myself I would not let exercise be the first thing to go by the wayside when I got busy with Girls Season 5 and here is why: it has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible. To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it's mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I'm glad I did. It ain't about the ass, it's about the brain.
As anyone who's read her book knows, Dunham is very honest about her struggles with anxiety and OCD, which date back to her childhood. But this message about exercising is a new and important one. It's admirable that she chose to focus on her own health — physical and mental — as she's working on Season 5 of Girls.
In typical Lena Dunham style, she keeps it real and admits she always found it annoying when people told her to exercise... until she actually tried it. She credits trainer Tracy Anderson (who's worked with Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow) for "showing [her] the light," and said that the post was "#notsponsored" and she's "#stillmedicated." Sure, they're just hashtags, but they're super important, proving she's exercising for the right reason — simply to better herself. Plus, she's candid about the fact that she still takes medication — showing it's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has different methods that work for them and it's all about finding the right fit.
Bravo to Dunham for contributing to an important dialogue about mental health and choosing to better herself. As always, she rocks! And another great part about all of this? She acknowledged the fifth season of Girls is on its way, which cannot come soon enough!
