Kim Kardashian is opening up about how past trauma has impacted her mental health. During a conversation with her sister Khloé Kardashian on the July 18 episode of The Kardashians, Kim revealed her journey of self-discovery through therapy. At 43, she has had significant breakthroughs, particularly regarding the 2016 Paris robbery that left lasting scars.
Kim shared a poignant moment from therapy where her therapist suggested that Kim’s calm demeanor might stem from being desensitized by trauma. “[My therapist] was like, ‘You think calm is your superpower. I think you are so desensitized from trauma that you literally are frozen in fight or flight,’” she recalled. Her therapist explained that remaining calm during a traumatic event might have saved her life, leading Kim to always choose calmness.
Khloé, 40, provided insight into Kim’s transformation, recalling that Kim was far from calm before the robbery. “You weren’t calm before. Kim, you were a lunatic,” Khloé said, remembering how Kim would get upset over minor issues. She observed that Kim’s demeanor changed drastically after the robbery, attributing her newfound calmness to that life-threatening experience.
In a private moment with the cameras, Kim reflected on the harrowing details of the robbery and its enduring impact. “Imagine you’re like, gun to your head, getting tied up, dragged across a hotel room, and the guy, I remember him telling me, ‘Just like, stay calm and you’ll live.’ And I did that,” she said. This calmness, which saved her life during the robbery, has since become a default state, sometimes leading others to take advantage of her.
On October 3, 2016, Kim was robbed at gunpoint at the No Address Hotel during Paris Fashion Week. Masked men stole millions of dollars worth of jewelry, including a $4 million ring. Kim first opened up about the incident in a 2017 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She recounted how the robbers demanded money, dragged her into the hallway, and pointed a gun at her. In those terrifying moments, Kim had to decide whether to run or comply, ultimately choosing to stay calm, a decision she believes saved her life.
Kim’s reflections highlight the delicate balance between maintaining calmness as a coping mechanism and allowing oneself to feel and process emotions. While her calm demeanor served her well during the robbery, she now questions if it has gone too far, making her vulnerable to being taken advantage of and feeling emotionally detached.
Kim Kardashian’s journey through therapy and her candid discussions about her past trauma offer a glimpse into the complex ways in which traumatic experiences shape mental health. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing and healing from past traumas to find a healthy balance in life. As she continues to navigate her mental health journey, Kim’s openness serves as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles.
