Alden Richards Reveals His Lowest Year Struggles
Despite his constant presence on television and a string of high-profile projects, Alden Richards recently shared that he faced one of the most challenging phases of his life. The actor revealed in a recent interview that last year was “my lowest year,” marking a period filled with unseen battles and emotional turmoil.
Richards explained that his struggles didn’t stem from a single event but rather from continuously giving too much of himself to others while neglecting his own well-being. “Just to validate everything that’s happening in my life right now — that was the reason,” he said, highlighting the toll this pattern took on his mental health.
Understanding the Mental Fog and Isolation
During this time, Richards described experiencing a mental fog that clouded his thoughts, making it difficult to process even the love and support around him. He said, “Yung times kasi na you’re clouded with a lot of negative thoughts, andyan yung mga taong nagmamahal sa ’yo pero hindi mo ma-proseso nang tama ’yung pag-iisip mo. It’s very hard to be present… yung nandito ka pero wala ka dito.”
The situation worsened in January with the passing of his grandfather, which deepened his sense of isolation and led him into what he now identifies as a depressive episode. He candidly admitted, “It took me six months to get over that. Hindi man siya clinically diagnosed, pero that was depression, at its finest. That was depression. Ang galing nga, hindi lang halata.”
Taking Steps Toward Recovery and Self-Care
For years, Richards avoided discussing his mental health openly, saying, “Before kasi, hindi ko siya kayang pag-usapan. Hirap ako, ayokong magpakita ng weakness.” Instead of making a public announcement, he chose to quietly make changes in his life.
By March, he began running, and by April, he took up cycling. Though he shared some of these activities on social media, his motivation was deeply personal. Physical exercise became a crucial outlet for him to regain control and process his experiences.
Richards emphasized that his changes stemmed from basic self-care rather than a desire to reinvent himself. He also spoke about distancing himself from the constant need for external validation. “The industry will take as much as you give it,” he reflected, noting how he had long given everything to his career but now seeks a better balance.
Redefining Priorities Beyond Public Expectations
Questions about his love life often arise, but Richards no longer feels compelled to answer according to other people’s expectations. He said, “I don’t understand. Hindi ko gets kung bakit ganoon ang mindset natin na ang basis ng kasiyahan ng isang tao,” challenging the idea that happiness depends on relationship status.
He stressed ownership over his personal narrative: “It’s my story. It’s how I want my story to be told… not based on the presumption of some people. I’m so done with that. I’ve been there long enough. I’ve done so much for the industry, and I’d like to do more for the industry right now.”
Whether this marks a personal rebranding or a course correction, Alden Richards appears focused on choosing what to share, prioritizing his well-being, and leaving behind what no longer serves him.
For more news and updates on Alden Richards lowest year, visit Filipinokami.com.