Mendes: Perfectionism Led to Rock Bottom on Riverdale

Camila Mendes recently shared that her mental health deteriorated to "rock bottom" while filming the CW series Riverdale. The actress, who portrayed Veronica Lodge for seven seasons, detailed how her struggles with perfectionism and an eating disorder significantly impacted her well-being during production.

Mendes explained that the constant need to appear flawless, coupled with costume choices that often emphasized her body, led to significant insecurity and anxiety. She experienced panic attacks, worrying about production delays caused by her distress. The pressure was immense, as taking time off was not a feasible option due to the high cost of reshoots.

To cope with the overwhelming stress and anxiety, Mendes was prescribed lorazepam, an anxiety medication, which she used to numb herself before work. While she acknowledged this wasn't ideal, she felt it was the only way to manage. The show's conclusion marked a turning point for her. Despite the difficulties, Mendes emphasized that she cherishes many fond memories from her time on Riverdale, attributing much of her turmoil to being young and lacking control over her life and schedule.