Ryan Reynolds has been open about his struggles with anxiety, but credits his three daughters for giving him the inspiration to speak out.
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Reynolds spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the role his three daughters, James, 6, Inez, 4, and Betty, 1, played in his decision to go public about his “lifelong” struggles with anxiety. "Part of it is that I have three daughters at home and part of my job as a parent is to model behaviors and model what it's like to be sad and model what it's like to be anxious, or angry. That there's space for all these things,” the 44-year-old actor said.
"The home that I grew in, that wasn't modeled for me really. And that's not to say that my parents were neglectful, but they come from a different generation."
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There was another factor at play that made Reynolds want to speak out. "Part of that is to destigmatize things and create a conversation around [mental health]," he added.
"I know that when I felt at the absolute bottom, it's usually been because I felt like I was alone in something I was feeling. So I think when people talk about it, I don't necessarily dwell on it or lament on it, but I think it's important to talk about it. And when you talk about it, it kind of sets other people free."
Reynolds shared his experience with anxiety to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, which occurs in May. “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," he wrote.
"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 don't do enough to destigmatize talking about it. But, as with this point, better late than never, I hope..."
WATCH MORE: Simple ways you can reduce anxiety and stress in your life
Audacy’s I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.
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