Kendra Wilkinson recently opened up about experiencing a severe identity crisis that led to her hospitalizations in 2023. The former Playboy model spoke of how she struggled to find herself after transitioning from being a sex symbol to a reality star, wife, mother, and divorcée, eventually working as a real estate agent. While attending an event in Los Angeles, Wilkinson expressed feeling out of place in the celebrity world despite her decades of reality television experience.
Beginning in 2005, Wilkinson gained fame through her appearances on “The Girls Next Door” alongside Hugh Hefner’s other girlfriends Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt. She later married NFL star Hank Baskett, with whom she shares two children. Their marriage came to an end in 2018 after Baskett’s affair with a transgender model was revealed. Wilkinson’s reality show, “Kendra on Top,” documented the challenges faced in her personal life, including her divorce.
After obtaining her real estate license, Wilkinson starred on the show “Kendra Sells Hollywood,” which aired from 2021 to 2023. Transitioning from Hollywood to the real estate industry presented a significant challenge for Wilkinson, as many people had preconceived notions about her based on her previous television persona. She described undergoing an intense identity crisis during this period, feeling the need to shed her wild and fun image in favor of a more grounded lifestyle as a realtor and mother.
The strain of trying to redefine herself and navigate the expectations of others took a toll on Wilkinson’s mental health. In September, she reached a breaking point and was hospitalized twice in one week due to severe anxiety and a manic state of mind. Wilkinson credited therapy and medication with helping her stabilize and recounted the difficulties she faced in learning to think positively and reorganize her thoughts. Despite the challenges, she now feels mentally stronger and is working on new reality television projects.
Looking ahead, Wilkinson hinted at potential storylines on her upcoming shows that may involve her love life, which she has kept private in the past. She expressed a willingness to let the cameras follow her as she navigates dating for the first time publicly. Wilkinson emphasized that she is in a good place emotionally and believes that it is the right time to start considering relationships outside of her role as a mother and career woman. Despite her past struggles, Wilkinson maintains love and respect for her ex-husband Hank Baskett, acknowledging his role as a great father to their children.
Wilkinson’s journey to rediscover herself and rebuild her life after a tumultuous period reflects the resilience and determination she possesses. Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when needed. As she prepares to share her story through new television projects, Wilkinson hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges to find strength and clarity in their own lives.
