Karoline Leavitt sparked new conversations on social media after posting a series of Instagram stories on Sunday that seemed to offer a rare glimpse into her emotional state.
The 28-year-old press secretary for Donald Trump has been at the center of intense public attention in recent months including a parody on Saturday Night Live this weekend and her latest posts suggest that the pressure may be taking a toll.
She began by sharing peaceful moments from a Palm Beach getaway, including a video of herself driving along the shoreline. She captioned it by saying the ocean is her “happy place.” Leavitt also posted a photo from breakfast at the Four Seasons Palm Beach, writing that it was her “favorite breakfast spot” with her husband, Nicholas Riccio.
But the tone of her posts shifted quickly. She shared an image of a Bible passage reading, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” highlighting it in yellow. Moments later, she added a quote about the comfort of having a child sleep beside you adding simply, “crying.”
While Leavitt didn’t explain these emotional posts further, mental-health professionals who spoke to Mirror US offered insight into what could be happening behind the scenes.
Christine Schneider, a clinical psychologist at the Cambridge Therapy Centre, noted that the role of a political press secretary places someone under extraordinary pressure. Every statement and expression is scrutinized, and the relentless pace can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.
Schneider explained that maintaining composure in public while managing private emotions is a form of “emotional labor,” which can eventually lead to burnout and difficulty disconnecting from work.
Naomi Magnus, a psychologist and founder of North London Therapy, echoed these concerns. She pointed out that high-profile political figures often face sleep disruption, anxiety, and exhaustion even when their public appearances suggest otherwise. According to Magnus, stress signals can be subtle, and many public figures maintain a polished exterior while struggling privately.
Although only Leavitt knows what she is personally experiencing, experts agree that anyone working under constant political and media scrutiny is vulnerable to mental strain. Her recent posts may simply reflect the weight of a demanding role and a reminder that public figures face pressures most people never see.
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