Paige Spiranac Opens Up About Anxiety, Stepping Back From Social Media
Golf influencer Paige Spiranac has revealed that she recently reduced her online activity as she works through a difficult period marked by anxiety and self-doubt.
During an Instagram Story Q&A on February 10, 2026, she told followers that she has been “in a bit of a funk” and is trying to regain her footing both personally and professionally.
The candid update offered insight into why fans have seen fewer posts from the longtime internet personality in recent weeks.
“In a Bit of a Funk”
Responding to a fan’s question about her absence, Spiranac acknowledged that the situation has been ongoing rather than temporary.
“I am in a bit of a funk, a rut if you will, and its not like a one or two day thing,” Spiranac said.
“This has been going on for a little bit. I feel like I’ve just been so in my head about everything and I’m just trying to work through it. I think that’s why I haven’t been posting as much because I am just overthinking everything and I just feel like my anxiety has taken control.
“I’m trying to push myself outside of that and post more and get back to what I was doing before. I feel like I haven’t been active because I’ve just been in my own head, in this kind of funky rut and we’re working through it.”
She also shared that she has stepped away from playing golf for the time being while focusing on her mental well-being.
Feeling Misunderstood
During the Q&A session, Spiranac addressed what she described as one of the biggest misconceptions about her.
She explained that she has often felt misunderstood by audiences who only see a curated portion of her life.
“I almost felt bad for myself for such a long time and I was frustrated why people weren’t seeing me in a certain way or seeing me for me,” she said.
“And then I realized that they’re only seeing what I’m showing.
“I can sit there and I can complain about it, or I can do something about it. And that’s showing more of myself and my personality. I think that I put so many walls up because this job can be draining sometimes and quite soul-sucking. I think I put barriers up to protect myself and started to morph and change into a person that I didn’t really recognize and that I didn’t see as well.
“This year it’s more about showing and less explaining and trying to defend myself and just being who I am.”
Her comments suggest a renewed focus on authenticity rather than reacting to public perception.
Balancing Public Life and Personal Health
Spiranac has previously spoken about living with “severe social anxiety” and the challenges of maintaining a public presence.
Managing online scrutiny while building a career in the spotlight has at times taken a toll.
She has been open about the emotional strain that comes with constant commentary and criticism.
Last August, during the $1 million Internet Invitational, she faced a wave of backlash after being accused of cheating.
The controversy stemmed from claims that she pushed down high grass in the rough on the ninth hole, allegedly giving competitor Malosi Togisala a clearer shot during the event finale.
Spiranac later addressed the accusation publicly.
She broke down in tears on camera while explaining that she did not touch the ball and had no intention of cheating.
The situation escalated online, with Spiranac saying she received “tens of thousands of death threats” amid the controversy.
Charitable Contribution After the Event
Despite the intense criticism, Spiranac quietly made a charitable gesture following the competition.
Barstool’s Francis Ellis later shared that she donated all of her day-two skins winnings from the Barstool Sports Internet Invitational.
The amount totaled approximately $15,000 or $16,000.
The funds were directed to the Cody “Beef” Franke foundation.
Franke won the competition and passed away months later.
The donation was made without public announcement at the time.
Looking Ahead
As she works through her current challenges, Spiranac said she remains focused on future projects.
She mentioned plans for a “fun golf series” and hinted at the possibility of launching a product of her own.
Although she has temporarily slowed her content output, she indicated that she hopes to return to a more active presence once she feels more grounded.
Her recent remarks highlight the pressures that can accompany life as a digital personality.
Balancing creativity, public expectations, and mental health remains an ongoing effort.
For now, Spiranac is prioritizing personal well-being while gradually working toward a renewed sense of confidence and authenticity.
