Entertainment
Alden Richards Opens Up About Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
"Wala na palang natira sa akin, and then that broke me to a million pieces."
Published on May 23, 2025
Trigger warning: This article features discussion around mental health struggles and depression.
To the world, 2024 was a good year for Alden Richards. The leading man begs to differ, though.
While the actor starred in a successful string of high-profile projects, his historical drama series Pulang Araw garnered award nominations locally and abroad, and the much-awaited Hello, Love, Again became the highest-grossing Filipino film of all-time, he was actually going through a very difficult time in his personal life. "I think last year was my lowest year," he tells GMA Integrated News, "Rock bottom," he adds.
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Alden Richards Opens Up About Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
In the interview that aired on 24 Oras last May 22, 2025, Alden reveals that for six months in 2024, he was struggling with feelings of depression. This was further exacerbated by the death of his grandfather. "Hindi naman siya clinically diagnosed, but that was depression at its finest," he shares. "Ang galing nga, hindi lang halata eh," he interjects lightly, before admitting that he used to have a hard time talking about his struggles as he didn't want to be perceived weak.
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PHOTO: Karl King Aguna for Preview May 2024.
It was a dark time for him, with his negative feelings stemming from spreading himself too thin for other people and no longer having enough time and energy for himself. "I think that was my breaking point," he opens up.
Today, Alden is able to talk about his experience from a much better headspace. By engaging in activities he enjoys and have always wanted to try, the 33-year-old was able to lift himself up. Nowadays, he makes sure to practice self-love by carving out time for running and biking.
We're rooting for you, Alden!
If you feel that you need help and advice for yourself or anyone else, please contact The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline, a 24/7 confidential services hotline for psychiatric emergencies, suicidal thoughts, depression, and other issues at (02) 7989-8727 or (0917) 899-8727 (or 0917 899-USAP). You may also reach out to the Philippine Mental Health Association at (02) 8921-4958, email them at hello@pmha.org.ph, or book an appointment on Mondays to Fridays from 8AM to 5PM at 18 East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1100. Here is a more complete list of hotlines you can reach out to for further assistance.
Reg Rodriguez is Preview's Assistant Managing Editor and resident hype girl. Always curious, she loves a good story and would probably ask you your zodiac sign.