I am so proud of him opening up. Saying that leaving this place is a present to the world is exactly how I felt last year. I lost my mind, my job, family, and childhood home and I felt like ending. I'm 27 and inspired to open up about my story thanks to him and I hope others can remember to just hold on a little longer like he said. Much love to the world and when it gets overbearing, just hold on a little longer.

As a suicide survivor myself, I can only feel more respect for this man. Alan, you have become one of my most respected actors

Reacher is the first show/movie where I've seen this guy in and it's interesting to see how he plays a character that is the definition of stoic and "men don't cry" attitude but then I see him here being comfortable expressing his mental illness and internal dilemmas and it's so good to see him talk about how he wants to bring to the spotlight the silent issues people go through

Alan is one of the best episode guests. He’s got such a talent for articulating these heavy topics that the whole episode just flies by. He’s the real deal.

I've always liked this guy. Noticed him ever since Smallville. Some movies or tv series that he was a part of are mostly supporting roles which was fine. But I felt he hasn't gotten a role that really fits him. But currently, he has reached the most prominent role of a lifetime right now and i'm very happy for him. As Robert Downey Jr was Tony Stark, Hugh Jackman was Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds is Deadpool and I can safely say Alan Ritchson IS Reacher! He was amazing in Season 1, can't wait for Season 2! :)

I dont know how else to say this. This guy is so fucking humble and kind. You truly should be thankful he opens up the way he does on your show. This shit is really private stuff and he deserves so much love for talking about this

He's not wrong. When your depression gets that deep - suicide can seem something close to a last & therefore almost logic step to take. You just need to find a reason to hang on.

When people open up about their depression and even suicidal thoughts, it destigmatises the whole mental health thing that it's something we don't talk about. We do, we should and we must talk about this and quodos to Alan for opening up about this. Much respect to you. I think it's hightime we stopped seeing "hollywood" as this glitz and glamour show and see it for what it is. A shit show that really puts people through the ringer.

It’s so important that people speak up about these things. Knowing that even someone who is fit, good looking, has a family and successful goes through these thoughts.

I'm glad that he experienced this and pulled back from it. Many have not been able to. I was in almost the same place (mine was a 300 foot drop off of a bridge to the rocks below) and pulling away from that and just saying "Well! That's enough of that!!" cleaned all that out of my system. That was over 30 years ago and I'm doing great now.

I've had depression, many people have, it'd debilitating to say the least, but Alan is very up front and honest about it, and his words might help someone, he's a very courageous guy for sharing all his demons with us, I have new found respect for the guy who plays Reacher

Hearing another man share his suffering and being able to relate to it is medicine itself.

Drink a shot everytime he says "you know". REACHER is awesome.

I’ve always liked Alan Ritchson. I first saw him in Blue Mountain State but even then I knew he was gonna be the biggest star coming out of that show. He’s such a badass on Reacher. Can’t wait for season 2!

I appreciate how he opened up about this as someone who struggles with anxiety, stress and depression. Just hold on.

What a solid great dude. I'd like to see him make the leap to the MCU. That headphone cable knot is wigging me out.

This guy's face is almost like the older man my best friends could have right now if he didn't kill himself back in 2009. and the fact that Alan is talking about how he felt those days of depression and all those thoughts he had, makes me understand a little bit more or something at least of why he did what he it. 😥 miss you buddy... until we meet again.

Wow. What an inspirational, and well-spoken human being. I loved his interpretation of Jack Reacher - my wife and I just finished watching the first season. Absolutely spot on. The casting, as a whole, was perfect. But this man’s personal story is impressive. I applaud his message and what he is trying to achieve with his platform. For me, depression was always like a dark room, where you couldn’t recognize the windows or doors to escape or let light in. But as soon as you are able to remind yourself that this feeling is temporary, the doors and windows begin to crack open. And that little bit of light has a momentum that can pull you out of any darkness. Keep up the great work!

He did a great job on Reacher, hope there's a season 2 later on.

Big respect. Grown man speaking about his mental health and well-being.

It actually means a great deal that he can speak with such clarity on topics like this. It really resonates if you've ever hit that low point.

I've experienced the same depression as Alan, and it's difficult to climb out of, that's why we should all try and be a little nicer to each other as everyone has their own issues to deal with, I have mad respect for Alan it takes alot to confront your own fears.

Glad that Alan Ritchson is being honest about his struggles. I hope it helps a lot of people so they can come out of their own struggles.

Mad to respect to this man for speaking the truth about his feelings. Most men don’t talk about stuff like this but should. It gives other people hope.

I remembered loving his work in Smallville as Aquaman. I’m going to have to check out his work on Reacher. It’s great to see him shine the spotlight on things like depression and near death experience.

The more I see of this guy the more I like him. He's honest about his temptations.

Well first of all, I think he's a very cool and open guy and I absolutely love him as Reacher. I really hope he can find the happiness and peace that he deserves for his wife and kids. Alan, seriously, keep true to yourself and your family. You are a good person! Don't let the industry change that .

What totally cool dude......i have so much respect for this man .....he is un apologetically open about his faith .....Reacher!

I have absolutely been there more than once where I felt like I was such as disaster that my family would be better off without me.

Wow. That's a HUGE thing to open up about but I'm willing to bet hearing this will help a LOT of people. God bless and stay strong!

Crisis of purpose is the greatest challenge to our existence.

I'm so glad this show exists. I think it gets celebrities a chance to open up about things they may not normally get to talk about in the Hollywood machine and it also shows us that everyone has these issues and it's OK to talk about them and you really don't know what's going on with someone and it never hurts to ask.

very self aware. a rare quality in actors

My grandfather killed himself when I was 12 years old. And I've seen the way it affected my mom and my uncle ever since. Killing one's self is one of the most selfish things you can do.

Thank you Alan, for sharing your story and experiences on mental health. It’s so important to have these discussions because they’re more common than we think. Sorry you went through all that. You are HERE for a PURPOSE! My husband and I really enjoy Reacher. Can’t wait to see more of your work. 🙌🏽🙌🏽💛💛

Damn, this man. Very inspiring. Glad he made it out to tell the story, become a bigger man, and share his wisdom. So much respect.

It's sad that the most beautiful and talented people in this world have to deal with depression... I wish him all the best in his future life

Alan is the real deal! Hollywood needs more people like him.

I wrote down so many of these points here. I didn’t realize at a time in my life as well how stressed I was due to my confusion of my role in life because I was serving to many masters at once as well. Thank you for sharing! 🙏

After my fiancee killed herself i was in a very bad spot. Fler just like this guy that I was suck a burden to the world and my family . I blamed myself so so hard. Secluded myself from the world I ended up lieing down on the railroad tracks alot just waiting for the train getting up just moments before it came. One night i passed out on a road from intoxication . I woke up to headlights in my face rolling over just to feel the tires grab my jacket . I sat up and just decided to take a step forward just bear it dig deep there s gotta be something worth dealing wirh all this pain for. Took many years but i can now say Im out of the rough and it was so worth it sticking around in the end

I’ve been there, and I never tried to take my life but I got so worried that I would lose control of myself and that I would it almost drove me crazy I had such a high amount of anxiety I couldn’t even do anything. Got bless you for opening up and letting people know they just have to tough it out. And eventually it will get better

Honestly so many people are pure trash with no sympathy towards others they hurt. You’re a blessing Alan Ritchson🙏🏻

I wish I could say this directly to Alan. Sir, you are on the right track. I have been there too. Finding your Purpose driven life is the key to true happiness and gaining an understanding of why we exist at all. I personally feel that my purpose is to do everything I can for all of my family members for as long as I can stay alive, without ever asking or expecting anything in return. We are all historically significant, we just have to figure out what our roll in the world is about. Your's is in teaching those who haven't figured it out yet. I confess, I came here to listen to Jack Reacher an I found so much more! It is true the world is full of pain and lost souls but we can change some that by being open with our own pain so others can learn. That in itself is a noble Purpose and can be enough to sustain us. The world will be a better place with you in it. I appreciate this channel for giving us a real look at a this man. He is so much more than his acting! I will now subscribe here and If I can find a channel for Mr. Ritchson, I will follow him from now on!

This hits so hard in my own feels and career and at 30 I'm now stuck in this rut 😢

This brought me tears. I'm sitting in this tired, ambivalent not motivated place. I just want to stay in bed because I don't feel like doing anything. I'm hiding, but I don't know from what. My NDE was 15 months ago. At first, I was happy and grateful to be here, I don't know how I've gotten to this place of avoiding life. Thank you for telling me it does get better. I know it will, I hope it will.

Seems like such a nice and genuine guy.

I seriously just resubbed to Amazon prime for Jack Reacher!

I am so glad he talked about his struggle, his fight. He almost lost. But, he didn’t. He didn’t. And the bravery to talk about it after the fact! A popular Hollywood actor, talking about his own suicidal experience!! I salute you, sir.

Much love and respect to Alan for opening up like this

Bro, I’ve been in that mind set. Thank you for sharing, it means a lot to a lot of people like myself. Stay strong.

Searing honesty from this guy ,inspirational stuff.this needs to be shared big time

Thank you for being so open Alan. Congratulations on Reacher!

2:35 wrote his goals out at the beginning of the year and was checking the boxes and seeing it come to fruition

hearing all this and seeing reacher, so proud and happy for him.

It heart breaking he went through the darkness like he did. He came out the other side into the light. Now of only we could get our Veterans taken care of and able to see the light and let go of their hardest experiences in combat and allow survivors guilt take a flying leap. Every one person should be able to get the help they must have to make it through the darkness into the light. With Deep Love a Gold star Mom.

I loved the first season of Reacher and already loving what I've watched in season two. What a great portrayal of a character beloved by many. But I'm even more impressed by his very open, candid, and humble report of his personal struggles with identity, purpose, meaning, and mental health. Now I'm not only a fan of Reacher, and will check out his other work, but a grateful fan of him as a person.

Alan, thank you for all that you do. I also struggle from depression and I super appreciate your journey. It's very real and a lot of people don't understand, and I was one of them until the one day I finally realized what was going on. Thank you.

so glad I found this interview. really feel this seeing the openness. and just knowing how this feels and the very hard recovery after the facts. everyday is still a fight to stay mentally healthy

Wonderful interview, touching so many lives thank you

Thank you for sharing this.

I am so grateful to see this realism, thank you for sharing your struggle Alan

Thank you for being so open and sharing

Hearing Alan describe how the world would be better without him was so familiar. I tried to end my life with pills, and I was very close to achieving my goal. At the time it was as if my existence was insignificant, no one would miss me (I have no family, but one friend) and my health would never get better, just very slowly worse and worse. Four days in hospital and I was a mess, a week of solitude at home and a battle with many demons and I came to the realization that even though I was alone I still mattered to myself. Two years ago I returned to Jesus after many years in the wilderness. I still only have one friend but my life has never been more full. My confession to our Lord is ongoing and hopefully by his grace I will be forgiven. In Jesus name, Amen.

This guy has been my favorite since blue mountain state and he is a gift to the world. Please keep being you! Don’t try to change.

So happy people talk about this more openly. I've been there. I had a lot going for me and did everything "like I'm supposed to" to get none of the rewards from all the hard work and dedication I was putting in. Eventually that led to things being bad at home, my wife felt it, my kid was feeling it and finally when I "had enough" I made the change. Quit my job, found something that was worth my time and was paying me my worth, eventually to leading to a great paying job that I currently am still in. Life is so much better once you identify what the issues are and make the change to better yourself for yourself and your family.

Wow. I’ve been feeling the same way. Literally spoke those words to a good friend of mine. I wondered if the people around me would be better off without me. Holding on a little longer makes the difference. Never thought that the idea of it being a gift to others would be the common thought… this one was an eye opener. Thank you.

Alan you are worthwhile my guy. Glad youre still here with us.❤️ Thank you for pulling yourself out of that and getting it together

Very brave sir. Glad you stayed with the world and your family.

Big respect to you Alan. This has really helped me in the moment. Continue being true to yourself and you'll go far!

Just shared this to my fb. More people need to open up about MH. Love the way Alan is so open about this topic.

i love how relatable Alan is, the more i hear him talk the more i love him and wish him the best

I’m glad he’s still here with us and doing great things at that!! Been a huge fan since aquaman and recently Hawk from Titans! Sometimes actors just have this thing about them when they are able to just be themselves within a role and he’s got that energy about him!!

Thank you Alan for your honesty and for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open up about such a difficult struggle.

This might have been the most important and impactful 9 minutes I’ve ever seen on KZfaq. Thank you for sharing.

Woah I really needed to watch this clip. Bless his courage and the courage of everyone that turned away from the edge.

This. Just this. The courage to just be honest with yourself, never mind on a very public platform. Big respect.

The way people (famous people!) open up to you and share their humanity - that's a reflection on you and what you've cultivated here. Kudos, Michael!

The devastation that suicide leaves behind is like a wrecking ball going through entire families. The ripple effects go on until those survivors die and their suffering doesn't end until then.

The strength behind your vulnerability & honesty dwarfs Reacher stature and urban legend. Bravo!

I applaud your bravery to talk about this. It will help other men struggling with the stigma. My son is 28 and I hear you speak about things he has spoken about to me. He now helps other people, mostly men who work for him, but he shares his story and they open up, some go into therapy, get help they need. My son is starting a group with those men who are paying it forward to mentor those struggling with bipolar, mental illness, depression in the work place. I could have lost my son, he felt like dying would be so less painful. I'm so grateful I still have him. I'm so proud of you men that share your story. Thank you! :💚

Alan Ritchson is amazing, I am so grateful he is willing to share his experiences both bad and good. My loved one has expressed similar thoughts about suicide and been in that same dark place and I think it is so incredibly important to speak out to others. It isn't always ok, things are not always perfect but it will get better. This world is a better place with you in it Alan, thank you for holding on. Never forget how strong you are and what you have overcome everyday!!!

This was one of the most honest interviews i have ever listened to. Ritchson should be lauded for being so forthright about his "fame" experiences..

Wow. so much strength. I love this guy

He’s very quickly become one of my favourite actors. I remember as a kid watching him in Smallville, now he’s Reacher and they couldn’t have casted anyone better.

Thanks for sharing this part of your story. Keep chugging, stay determined.

Honesty and vulnerability is so refreshing.

this gives me a little more energy, I'm in that moment like many others where I just want to sleep, thanks for this episode, it gives me hope that I can get out of depression, thanks.

Thanks for sharing Alan..you have helped many people immeasurably

Love you Alan! Deeply appreciate this vulnerability and being relatable. Thanks for the podcast Michael!

Heartbreaking. I am glad your kids have a dad and I am glad you can be so open. Be well.

Wow 😮 what a testimony love the openness and honesty. It’s nice with the success of Reacher that he can use his new popularity and platform in a positive way for others.

Thank you for sharing. This will help others and it helps you too. Life ain't a picnic but you have made it better

Thank you for your honesty. I wish more people on your position would be more open and transparent as you were here. Actors like, Robin Williams, Philip Seymour and your co-star from smallville, Lee Thompson Young who played cyborg. My cousin took his life the way you described you tried to. It's been over 15yrs and it still hurts to think that that was the way he wanted us to remember him and how he thought that is was best for us. Thank you Alan for being brave and speaking about your struggle. It'll help a lot of people who get to hear this.

It's so amazing that I have felt the exact same thing about life, I know im not a hollywood star or known, but I've realized that every single living human has or will go through this in their own journey. We are truly blessed to be able to experience this thing called life and be grateful for all the moments because we chose to be here to learn lessons we're sometimes blinded to.

Wow! So eye opening, so honest.Everything’s not roses! Bless this Man for his honesty and transparency.

This helped me immensely. Thank you. ❤

Thanks for opening up like this... I suffer from BiPolar depression, social and agrophobic anxiety

ALAN IS ALL CLASS....A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN.

these are so candid man, good job. wow

Alan, thank God you never ended your life. You are a great guy. Thank you for sharing.