Cara Delevingne, the celebrated model and actress, embarked on what appeared to be a summer of indulgence and freedom, yet beneath the surface, she was grappling with profound internal struggles. As she approached her 30s, Delevingne recognized an unsustainable pattern in her life. Her planned grand celebration, an Alice in Wonderland themed birthday extravaganza in Ibiza, was intended as a joyous culmination of her 20s. However, even amidst revelry, Delevingne found herself retreating, a stark contrast to the expected festivities. Confined within the tower of her rented house, she isolated herself, a physical manifestation of her internal withdrawal. This period was marked by a growing sense of unease, a “slowly beating drum inside,” signaling an impending need for change that she simultaneously craved and resisted. This internal conflict manifested as a desire to both embrace a new chapter and mourn the life she was leaving behind. Her response was to intensify her partying, viewing it as a final, unrestrained farewell to her past era.
The turning point arrived when Delevingne traveled from Europe to Burning Man in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. In this environment, fueled by substances, she experienced a dangerous sense of invincibility. “There’s an element of feeling invincible when I’m on drugs,” Delevingne admitted, highlighting a perilous disregard for her own safety. Her recollections of this period are fragmented, clouded by substance use, yet punctuated by vivid details like inexplicable bruises, a testament to her reckless behavior. “I would climb anything and jump off stuff…it felt feral,” she described, acknowledging the distress it caused to those close to her. This self-destructive phase was a critical point in understanding Cara Delevingne’s diagnosis – not in a clinical sense, but in recognizing the depth of her struggles and the urgent need for intervention.
Witnessing Delevingne’s precarious state was agonizing for her family. Her aunt, Stevens, described it as “scary,” emphasizing their collective yearning for change. However, they understood the limitations of imposing change on someone else. Behind the scenes, Delevingne’s sisters and close friends were coordinating efforts to support her. Stevens, particularly close to Delevingne, who is the youngest of her siblings, recounted a significant plane journey towards the end of the birthday celebrations as a moment of realization. Reflecting on the “huge highs and lows,” Stevens expressed immense pride in Delevingne initiating her own recovery, recognizing her inherent strength and capability. This period underscores the initial stages of Cara Delevingne’s diagnosis – the recognition by loved ones of a serious issue requiring attention and care.
Following the emergence of concerning paparazzi photos, a dedicated group of Delevingne’s childhood friends, many residing in LA, rallied to her side. Initially, Delevingne found it challenging to fully embrace their support. She confessed to feeling that many relationships were “shallow” due to her inability to be honest about her internal turmoil. Fear of burdening others and anxieties about abandonment prevented her from opening up. Ironically, a brand that had previously championed her as a mental health advocate distanced themselves. This isolation highlighted the true value of her genuine connections. “From September, I just needed support. I needed to start reaching out,” Delevingne stated. Her lifelong friends responded, offering unwavering support and reminding her that she deserved joy. This marked a crucial step in addressing Cara Delevingne’s diagnosis – accepting help and recognizing the importance of a robust support system.
Delevingne’s circle of friends, described as wide-ranging and steadfast, includes figures like Selena Gomez and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who attest to her loyalty, wisdom, and genuine care for others. Margot Robbie, who formed a bond with Delevingne during Suicide Squad, highlighted their shared journey into their 30s and the enduring nature of their friendship. Waller-Bridge emphasized Delevingne’s honesty and vulnerability despite living in the public eye. These testimonials underscore the strength of Delevingne’s support network, a vital component in her ongoing journey. Cara Delevingne’s diagnosis, in a broader sense, is a story of recognizing personal struggles, accepting vulnerability, and embracing the path to recovery with the support of cherished friends and family.
