Sometimes, all it takes to keep one afloat is the knowledge that the sinking, empty feeling is not forever.
In recent years, the subject of mental health has gained traction, with many realising – especially during the pandemic – just how important it is to work on our mental health as well as our physical health. As more and more people share their feelings, their thoughts and their stories, those who relate to this shared experience are given a lifebuoy as they watch the same people experience things like joy, comfort, success, love and gratitude amidst the intrusive, sometimes dark, thoughts.
One such person who has used his platform to raise awareness is Ryan Reynolds. Taking to his social media account to bring Mental Health Awareness month to a close, the ‘Deadpool’ actor candidly shared:
“One of the reasons I’m posting this so late is I overschedule myself and important things slip. And one of the reasons I overschedule myself is my lifelong pal, anxiety.”
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He further detailed in his post:
“I know I’m not alone, and more importantly, to all those like me who overschedule, overthink, overwork, over-worry and over-everything, please know you’re not alone. We don’t talk enough about mental health and we don’t do enough to destigmatize talking about it. But, as with this post, better late than never. I hope… “
This is not the first time that the Vancouver born actor has publicly spoken about his personal history with anxiety. In an interview with The New York Times back in 2018, Reynolds shared:
“I have anxiety, I’ve always had anxiety. Both in the lighthearted ‘I’m anxious about this’ kind of thing, and I’ve been to the depths of the darker end of the spectrum, which is not fun.”
The 44-year-old actor recounted the fact that his anxiety got particularly bad during his twenties, leading him to try to self-medicate to cope. He stopped “partying and just trying to make [himself] vanish in some way” when he realised that some of his friends were dying from overdoses.
https://www.flyfm.com.my/flylist-meditation-not-working-heres-how-to-calm-your-anxiety-in-other-ways/
It may seem surprising that someone as charismatic, funny and outgoing as Ryan Reynolds struggles with anxiety. And that’s why the fact that he’s come forward to share his feelings is so important: because it reminds us that anyone could be struggling and fighting their own battles daily. He’s not the first to do so – multiple celebrities have come forward with their own stories of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, paranoia, PTSD – and hopefully, he will not be the last. As we continue to have conversations about mental health, we can work towards awareness of the causes, effects and available healing processes. And in doing so, we can create a healthier, happier society.
So the next time around someone tells you they’re struggling – or, they post something on social media to indicate that they may be fighting their own demons – reach out and check-in. Let them know you love them and are there for them if they need you.
*Cover image credits: @vancityreynolds
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