Jennifer Aniston has spoken about her feelings of loneliness and heartache after her split from Brad Pitt, but few people know that there was something surprising that helped her get through this dark period. What gave her the strength to get up and keep going? The answer will surprise you.

In a heartfelt interview with Vanity Fair in 2005, Jennifer Aniston candidly opened up about the emotional toll of her split from Brad Pitt, revealing the deep loneliness she felt in the aftermath of their divorce. The iconic Hollywood couple, once admired as the epitome of love and stability, faced public scrutiny when their marriage fell apart after Brad’s highly publicized relationship with actress Angelina Jolie, which began while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

At the time of the divorce, Jennifer was at the peak of her fame with her role as Rachel Green in the legendary TV series Friends. She was also deeply entrenched in a relationship that was viewed by many as the picture-perfect marriage. However, the sudden and very public nature of their split was a painful and difficult experience for Jennifer, as she found herself navigating the emotional aftermath of Brad’s betrayal, the public scrutiny, and the loss of her partner.

Jennifer admitted that adjusting to life as a single woman again was a significant challenge. She recalled, “Am I lonely? Yes. Am I upset? Yes. Am I confused? Yes. Do I have my days when I’ve thrown a little pity party for myself? Absolutely. But I’m also doing really well.” These words reflected the complex emotions she was grappling with during one of the most difficult times in her life.

Despite her loneliness, Jennifer stressed that she was receiving unwavering support from her close-knit circle of friends, whom she referred to as her “tribe.” She credited them for lifting her up when she was at her lowest, providing her with the emotional resilience to face the challenges of her personal life. “My girlfriends I’ve had for 20 years. When things happen, the tribe gathers around and lifts you up,” Jennifer explained, highlighting the importance of her friendships during this difficult period.

For Jennifer, the experience of being single again was both disorienting and transformative. “I’m a partnership person,” she reflected. “And if something happens your instinct is to share it—but you’re no longer part of a couple.” The actress described how she missed the partnership aspect of her relationship with Brad, as there was a certain level of comfort and intimacy that she could no longer rely on. In her words, the process of being alone again felt “awkward” and unfamiliar, likening it to “Bambi” trying to walk for the first time.

However, Jennifer also saw this period of being single as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. “It’s uncharted territory, but I think it’s good for me to be a solo person right now. You’re forced to re-discover yourself and take it to another level,” she shared.

This sentiment reflects Jennifer’s resilient spirit—despite the heartbreak and emotional pain, she was determined to not only heal but also emerge from this experience stronger and more self-aware.

One of the most pivotal ways Jennifer found healing was through therapy. Throughout the interview, she spoke openly about her belief in therapy as an essential tool for self-care. “I believe in therapy; I think it’s an incredible tool in educating the self on the self,” she stated. Jennifer credited therapy for helping her understand her emotions and rebuild her strength after the emotional turmoil of her divorce.

Therapy became an important part of Jennifer’s recovery process, helping her reflect on her feelings, learn to process her grief, and regain control over her mental well-being. Her openness about therapy has since helped normalize the conversation around mental health and the importance of seeking professional help during times of emotional distress.

Another challenging aspect of the split was the overwhelming public attention Jennifer and Brad received. As their relationship played out in the media, Jennifer was forced to cope with constant tabloid headlines and paparazzi photos of Brad and Angelina’s blossoming romance. “I would be a robot if I said I didn’t feel moments of anger, of hurt, of embarrassment,” Jennifer admitted, acknowledging the painful emotions she experienced as their relationship was exposed to the world.

While it was undoubtedly difficult to face the media storm, Jennifer was not one to shy away from addressing her emotions. She recognized that the public’s interest in her personal life was beyond her control, but she also realized the importance of managing her emotions privately, shielded from the prying eyes of the world.

Throughout the interview, Jennifer emphasized the importance of having a strong support system. Her circle of friends, which she had cultivated over the years, played a crucial role in her recovery. Having long-lasting relationships with people who genuinely cared about her was a source of comfort and strength.

Jennifer also spoke about the sense of solidarity and connection she felt with her girlfriends, who rallied around her during the toughest times. Her close friends helped her regain her sense of self-worth and gave her the emotional strength she needed to face the challenges ahead.

Looking back on that difficult period, Jennifer now speaks about it as a chapter in her life that ultimately contributed to her personal growth. While the pain of the split from Brad Pitt was undeniably profound, Jennifer’s ability to rise above it, with the support of therapy, friends, and family, helped her heal and find new purpose. She continues to be an advocate for self-care, emotional resilience, and the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships, even in the face of life’s most challenging circumstances.

Today, Jennifer Aniston is widely recognized not just for her acting career but for her strength, vulnerability, and the grace with which she navigates the ups and downs of life, both personally and professionally.