Reese Witherspoon's split breakdown

Sep 12, 2007, 13:00 GMT

09/07/2007 - Reese Witherspoon - 2007 Toronto International Film Festival - Rendition Movie Premiere - Roy Thompson Hall - Toronto, Canada © Solarpix / PR Photos

Reese Witherspoon has spoken of the emotional breakdown she suffered after her marriage Ryan Phillippe ended.

The Oscar-winning actress - who split from her 'Cruel Intentions' co-star last October after ten years together and seven years of marriage - was so devastated she experienced a panic attack.

Reese said: "Right around Christmas time I was sitting in a parking lot and I felt like I just couldn't get out of the car.

"It was like, 'I can't get out of the car.'

"I thought, 'OK, half of the parking lot has dealt with this. More than half of the parking lot has dealt with this. OK, let's make it a little bigger. Half of this city has dealt with this. OK, let's make it a little bigger - half of this country', until I finally got out of the car."

The former couple have two children, eight-year-old daughter Ava and three-year-old son Deacon.

Despite being an accomplished actress and responsible parent, Reese insists she is not in complete control of her life.

She added in an interview with Elle magazine: "Oh, come on, man! I wouldn't be able to do what I do if I were always in control. I wouldn't be able to have the empathy or the capacity to understand different lives."

The 31-year-old star has strong Southern American values and has hit out at young stars - such as Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan - who literally bare everything to get publicity.

She said: "Everybody is hung out to dry now. It's one thing if you're up for it and you want it, and you go out without your panties on. But if you're wearing your panties - gosh darn it, leave me alone!"

(C) BANG Media International