Linsey Godfrey, known for her roles as Sarah Horton on “Days of Our Lives” and Caroline Spencer on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” has captivated audiences with her talent and openness. Beyond her on-screen performances, Godfrey has become an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her personal journey with bipolar II and borderline personality disorder. She also inspires fans with her dedication to fitness, showcasing her strength and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This article delves into Godfrey’s experiences with mental health, her fitness routines, and her reflections on body image in the demanding world of soap operas.
Mental Health Advocacy
Diagnosis and Disclosure
In March 2021, Linsey Godfrey publicly revealed her diagnoses of bipolar II and borderline personality disorder (BPD). This decision to share her experiences stemmed from a desire to normalize conversations around mental health and destigmatize mental health conditions. Borderpolar, a term used to describe individuals with both bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, presents unique challenges. Godfrey’s experience includes episodes of major depression and hypomania, characteristic of bipolar II, along with the emotional instability and impulsivity associated with BPD.
According to Dr. Mark Zimmerman, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University, approximately 20% of individuals diagnosed with one condition also meet the criteria for the other. BPD is generally considered harder to treat and is diagnosed when at least five of nine symptoms are present, including unstable mood, difficulties in relationships, feelings of emptiness, and impulsiveness. Godfrey has stated that she experiences all nine symptoms.
Managing Mental Health
Since her diagnosis, Godfrey has been committed to managing her mental health through various methods. She emphasizes the importance of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a strong support system of friends and family. In an interview with People, Godfrey shared that receiving her diagnosis in December 2019 brought a sense of relief after years of struggling. “I had been struggling for so long, and I knew I wasn’t okay,” she said. “Even though it was a big, awful pill to swallow, I was relieved to finally have an answer and not just, ‘You’re a s* person.'”
Godfrey actively uses her platform to educate and encourage open dialogue about mental health. She stresses that mental health conditions do not discriminate and that individuals with these conditions are just as capable as anyone else. “Mental illness doesn’t discriminate,” she stated. “It doesn’t care who you are, or what family you were born into, or what your experiences were. The more we talk about it, the less alone everybody would feel.”
Setting the Record Straight
In May 2021, Godfrey clarified that her departure from “Days of Our Lives” was not due to her mental health struggles. She addressed the rumors that circulated after she shared her diagnoses, emphasizing that she was written out of the show and was not taking a break for her mental health. “I wanted to be clear, me choosing to be open about my mental health has always been as a means to help normalize the conversation around mental health,” Godfrey stated. “Not because I’m taking a break from acting for my own mental health.”
Godfrey expressed frustration with the assumptions made about her career based on her mental health disclosures. She highlighted that making such assumptions perpetuates the stigma she is actively working to combat. “These thought processes are exactly why the discussion around mental health is so important,” she explained. “Again, I appreciate it, but I’m not taking a break from acting. I’m not on a mental health break. I just shared my experience to help normalize.”
Resources and Support
Linsey Godfrey’s advocacy extends to promoting resources for those struggling with mental health. She encourages individuals to seek help and emphasizes that they are not alone. Some resources include:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- National Institute of Mental Health Website: Provides information and resources on various mental health conditions.
Fitness Journey and Body Image
Strength Training and Wellness
Linsey Godfrey is a strong advocate for incorporating fitness into a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares her workout routines on social media, inspiring fans with her dedication and progress. Godfrey’s fitness regimen includes a variety of exercises, with a focus on strength training.
One of Godfrey’s favorite exercises is weight lifting. She often posts videos and photos of herself doing deadlifts, lunges with a barbell, and lateral pulldowns. In one Instagram post, she shared a video of herself doing lateral pulldowns, writing, “Tom was being nice only making me do 85lbs but not for nothing when he makes me do 120lbs I do get to go for a ride when the machine pulls back up to the top. It’s the little things that bring me the most joy haha!”
Godfrey also works with a personal trainer, Thomas Jankas, who helps her stay in shape. She has expressed gratitude for his guidance and support, noting that he tailors her workouts to challenge her and help her achieve her goals. She shared, “Thank you as always to our giant shaved bear of a trainer. Our sweet @thomasjankas! Please head over to his page for workouts, inspiration, and dance breaks! If you’re in LA come workout with him and if not hit him up for workouts via zoom or he can write them for you!!”
Overcoming Body Dysmorphia
Godfrey has been open about her struggles with body dysmorphia and past eating disorders. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on strength and health rather than solely on appearance. In an Instagram post, Godfrey shared her journey to a healthy and strong body, crediting her trainer for helping her shift her mindset. “I suffer from body dysmorphia. I have suffered from eating disorders in the past and my road to a healthy, strong body has been long,” she wrote. “Tom [her trainer] did the best thing ever for me by enforcing the no comparing myself to others rule. He’s taught me that a strong body is WAY better than a skinny body.”
Godfrey takes pride in her physical strength, noting the positive impact of weight lifting on her bone health. She also celebrates the shift in her self-perception, moving away from self-criticism to self-acceptance. “For the first time in my life, I don’t stand in front of the mirror picking at myself and doing very harmful self-talk,” she shared. “Now I occasionally glance as I walk by, no longer obsessively, and feel confident for the first time.”
Fitness Tips from Soap Stars
Linsey Godfrey’s dedication to fitness aligns with a broader trend among soap opera stars who prioritize health and wellness. Many actors and actresses from “Days of Our Lives” and other shows have shared their fitness tips and routines.
- Eric Martsolf (Brady Black): Believes in moderation and making exercise fun. He enjoys his cocktail at night but compensates with a morning workout.
- Victoria Konefal (Ciara Brady): Focuses on overall health and consistency. She hates cardio but uses the Stairmaster for its efficiency.
- Jessica Serfaty (Sloan Petersen): Enjoys a varied workout routine, including Pilates, hot yoga, dance, boxing, and spin classes. She emphasizes the convenience of resistance bands and ankle weights for at-home workouts.
- Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady): Emphasizes small, frequent meals throughout the day, including oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, and lean protein with vegetables. She also incorporates regular workouts, often sharing her routines on Instagram with the hashtag #FitnessFriday.
- Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson): Loves doing at-home Pilates. She subscribes to a Pilates instructor, Tasha Franken. Also enjoys long walks and uses a mini stair stepper.
- Remington Hoffman (Li Shin): Swims laps for about 45 minutes to an hour once a week or two to three times a week if doing well.
Return to “Days of Our Lives”
Sarah Horton’s Comeback
Linsey Godfrey has had multiple stints on “Days of Our Lives” as Sarah Horton. She joined the cast in 2018, departed in March 2021, and returned in January 2022. Her character’s storylines have been filled with drama, including a memorable plot where Sarah was kidnapped and held on a deserted island.
Godfrey’s portrayal of Sarah Horton has earned her critical acclaim, including a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019.
Future Storylines
As of April 2025, Sarah Horton continues to be a part of the “Days of Our Lives” cast. Recent storylines have involved her relationships with Xander Kiriakis and Rex Brady, as well as her unexpected pregnancy. Fans can anticipate more twists and turns as Sarah navigates her complex personal life in Salem.
Conclusion
Linsey Godfrey’s journey as an actress, mental health advocate, and fitness enthusiast is an inspiring example of resilience and authenticity. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs has made her a role model for many. By prioritizing her mental and physical well-being, Godfrey demonstrates the importance of self-care and the power of open dialogue in breaking down stigmas. As she continues to captivate audiences on “Days of Our Lives,” Linsey Godfrey remains a beacon of hope and strength for those navigating their own challenges.
