Former "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere recently spoke out about her struggle with grief and the challenges she faced following the passing of her brother, Jansen Panettiere. Adding to her grief was a rapid weight gain, which she attributed to stress and cortisol. Panettiere, however, managed to find her way back to a healthy mindset through exercise and resilience.

The weight gain following Jansen's passing left Panettiere feeling reluctant to leave her house. She admitted that her lack of confidence in her appearance made it difficult for her to put on clothes and go outside. Recognizing that she needed to break free from this destructive cycle, she sought the help of a trainer and incorporated exercise and long walks back into her life.

Through physical activity, Panettiere not only experienced positive changes in her body, but also found a release for the stress and high expectations she had placed on herself. With renewed mental well-being and the regained physical confidence, she slowly but surely felt ready to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the world again.

The loss of her brother also taught Panettiere a valuable lesson in resilience. Having gone through such a devastating experience, she learned to prioritize what truly matters and not let minor obstacles affect her happiness. Panettiere revealed, "When something that massive has happened to you, you really learn to pick your fights and just not let the little things upset you."

In the year and a half since Jansen's passing, Panettiere has found solace in keeping his memory alive. She cherishes his artwork, which she surrounds herself with, and often shares his creations on social media. On the first anniversary of Jansen's passing, she posted an Instagram tribute, expressing that his amazing paintings are the first and last thing she sees every day.

While Hayden Panettiere continues to cope with her loss, she is determined to honor her brother's memory and find strength in her journey of healing. Through exercise, resilience, and the power of art, she has rediscovered her mental and physical well-being. Panettiere's story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing their own battles, reminding us that with time and self-care, healing is possible.