Gabrielle Union reveals rare impact of past trauma on her role as a mother

Gabrielle Union has opened up about how past trauma once made it difficult for her to fully be present as a parent.

In a recent interview with Lashauna Cutts, as reported by PEOPLE Magazine, the actress candidly described how anxiety and fear would often take over even in safe environments.

“We’re in the backyard — it’s our own backyard. We have security. Armed security on our house,” she said.

“But I’m like, ‘What if they get past him?’ I can’t watch you do cartwheels if I’m thinking about if a fictitious criminal mastermind somehow thwarts security and comes through the back gate.”

She explained that these intrusive thoughts prevented her from being emotionally present with her daughter, Kaavia.

“I can’t parent, I can’t be present like that,” she admitted.

However, Union shared that therapy has helped her find a sense of calm and clarity.

“And now, I’m just watching her do cartwheels. I can be present enough to actually hear what she’s saying,” she said.

The shift, she noted, has brought a noticeable sense of peace into her home and marriage.

“And it’s created a peace in our home… that everyone is appreciative of,” she added before signing off from the chat.