Kaitlyn Bristowe, known for her time on The Bachelor, has been very open with her followers about her struggles, and this time, she shared a vulnerable moment involving her mental health. Ahead of the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards on September 28, the reality TV star revealed that she experienced a panic attack and ultimately decided to skip the highly anticipated red carpet event.
In an Instagram post, Kaitlyn shared a set of emotional selfies alongside a caption explaining what had transpired. “These pics were all taken today. Today was rough. But I pushed through. Was supposed to go to the People’s Choice Country Music Awards tonight but my body had other plans,” she wrote. Despite her initial plan to attend the event, her physical and emotional state led her to prioritize her well-being over the glamour of the red carpet.
The panic attack marked only the fourth one in her life, and Kaitlyn made the decision to focus on self-care instead. She explained that she opted for a light workout, a relaxing facial, and a hair appointment as part of her efforts to take care of herself. “Now I just need rest,” she said. “Listen to your body. Emotions are wild man.” This candid reflection shows just how deeply Kaitlyn is attuned to her body and emotions.
This update came just two months after the public announcement of her breakup from fiancé Jason Tartick, which had been a highly talked-about topic in the media. While Kaitlyn stayed home to focus on herself, Jason still attended the award show, where he shared an emotional update about their split. He said, “I hope both Kaitlyn and I are fine. She’s an awesome person. I will always have a special place in my heart for her.” He added that they were both “working through it,” acknowledging that breakups are never easy.
As the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards were underway, the event saw several stars take the stage, including country legends like Toby Keith and Blake Shelton, as well as rising stars such as Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Wallen. Toby Keith also received the prestigious Country Icon Award, which added even more star power to the event. Despite Kaitlyn’s absence, the evening was filled with memorable moments and red carpet appearances from other celebrities like Kane Brown, Kristin Cavallari, and Carly Pearce.
Although Kaitlyn wasn’t physically present at the award show, her transparency about her struggles and taking the time to care for herself resonated deeply with her fans, who continue to support her through her emotional journey.