Reese Witherspoon says her anxiety fuelled her career success.

The 49-year-old actress says the mental health disorder - which causes abnormal fear and dread - made her become a perfectionist in her illustrious career, which spans over three decades.

Appearing on one of a suite of covers for Harper's Bazaar UK's December/January issue, Reese explained: "I was probably successful because I had so much anxiety. They go hand in hand.

"I had pressured myself to extreme levels to show up at work in a perfect way. We all now know - perfect is not attainable. It's not sustainable. I stressed myself out in service of my job, and it got me really, really far. I'm rewarded for my anxiety and perfectionism.

"But I'm getting older, and am starting to relax into the idea that I'm enough. I mean, I've had an abundance of good fortune, great work opportunities and worked with some of the greatest people on Earth…"

The Morning Show star has daughter Ava, 26, and son Deacon, 21, with her 51-year-old ex-husband, actor Ryan Phillippe, and a 12-year-old son called Tennessee, 12, with her 55-year-old former spouse Jim Toth.

And Reese likes to have direct and open dialogues with her children.

She said: "My mom never talked about mental health in a way that made it feel untouchable, unspeakable or taboo; she was almost clinical about it.

"When I was a teenager, she would proactively ask whether I was sexually active, about birth control. I don't beat around the bush.

"If something is on my mind or I'm concerned, I'm always going to be that person who pushes the edges and asks the hard questions [of my children]."

Reese turns 50 on March 22, 2026, and she now feels in control of her "own destiny".

Speaking about her milestone birthday, the Legally Blonde actress said: "I like getting older. I think it's great to be wiser and understand your place in a business.

"I've worked really hard to get to that place … I feel like I'm living my purpose, for sure. I love my job. I love my fans. I'm the captain of my own destiny."

The December/January issue of Harper's Bazaar UK is on sale from November 7.