Angelina Jolie has admitted to suffering from Bell’s Palsy following her divorce

‘Sometimes women in families put themselves last until it manifests itself in their own health’

Angelina Jolie
(Image credit: Rex)

‘Sometimes women in families put themselves last until it manifests itself in their own health’

Angelina Jolie just got very real about divorce, opening up about how she struggled to cope following the split from her husband Brad Pitt.

The couple separated last year, announcing their divorce in September after 12 years together, with Angelina citing irreconcilable differences and seeking custody of their six children: Pax, Maddox, Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne and Knox.

The 42-year-old actress has opened up about her divorce before, but only now has she gone into detail about the impact that it has had on her health.

In her recent interview with Vanity Fair, Angelina explained how she suffered from high blood pressure and was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy following the split.

Bell’s Palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis, with symptoms varying from muscle twitching to the entire loss of movement in the face.

However despite her condition, Angelina explained to the publication how she didn’t want her children to worry about her.

‘I was very worried about my mother, growing up - a lot. I do not want my children to be worried about me,’ she explained. ‘I think it’s very important to cry in the shower and not in front of them. They need to know that everything’s going to be all right even when you’re not sure it is.’

She continued: ‘I actually feel more of a woman because I feel like I’m being smart about my choices, and I’m putting my family first, and I’m in charge of my life and health. I think that’s what makes a woman complete. Sometimes women in families put themselves last until it manifests itself in their own health.’

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.