Alan Ritchson, known for his role in Reacher, recently opened up about his experiences with bipolar disorder, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 36. In a candid interview with Men’s Health, the 41-year-old actor shared that he is still learning to manage the disorder in his daily life and work.
Ritchson revealed that he tends to experience more of the manic side of bipolar disorder than the depressive side. He described how his manic episodes can lead to obsessive behaviors, such as insisting on perfection and pushing for things to be better.
During the filming of Reacher, Ritchson's bipolar disorder sometimes manifested in challenging ways. He recounted a situation where he clashed with the stunt coordinator due to his manic behavior, leading to the coordinator's temporary resignation.
To help manage his bipolar disorder, Ritchson regularly sees a psychiatrist and relies on the support of his wife and assistant, both of whom are knowledgeable about the condition. He emphasized the importance of monitoring his behavior and distinguishing between normal and manic tendencies.
Despite the difficulties that come with managing bipolar disorder, Ritchson expressed gratitude for his wife's unwavering support. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he thanked her for standing by him through the ups and downs of his mental health journey.
Throughout his public life, Ritchson has been vocal about his struggles with bipolar disorder, acknowledging the challenges it poses for both himself and his loved ones. His openness about his experiences serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.
