Actor Alan Ritchson opens up about his tumultuous journey to stardom, including struggles with mental illness and surviving a suicide attempt, in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
In the interview, Ritchson discusses his ongoing battle with bipolar disorder and ADHD, attributing his survival of a suicide attempt to the love and support of his children. The actor also reveals a dark chapter from his modeling days, describing the industry as “legalized sex trafficking” and detailing a traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by a famous photographer during a nude shoot tied to a lucrative campaign offer.
After leaving the modeling world, Ritchson faced challenges on his path to becoming an actor, including another suicide attempt in 2019 that was stopped by a vision of his sons. Despite the hardships, he has been open about his mental health diagnoses and hopes to inspire others struggling with similar issues.
Ritchson credits his wife, Catherine Ritchson, for her unwavering support and their loving family life with their three sons. The actor plans to use his platform, including his YouTube channel, to raise awareness about mental health and offer support to those facing similar challenges.
For those in need of help, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Sexual Assault Hotline are available. Alan Ritchson’s story serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and that there is help and support out there for those who need it.
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