Heartbreaking Facts About Hallmark Star Ryan Paevey’s Life

In 2015, Ryan Paevey openly discussed his mental health struggles. “I have a massive self-loathing complex,” he told AfterBuzz TV. “I always think I look doughy on camera.” The actor found solace in hitting the gym and challenging himself physically. “I’ve always been a workout-aholic for more therapeutic reasons than for vanity,” he explained. However, these intense workouts occasionally led to injuries, prompting Paevey to adjust his exercise regimen.

In addition to battling body image issues, Paevey also dealt with imposter syndrome. Without formal acting training, he often felt inadequate. By June 2024, Paevey realized he needed a change. “My mental health has suffered from it. It’s taken me to a bit of a dark place,” he shared with Heavy. Earlier that year, he had critiqued the entertainment industry on his now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) account, describing it as “a whirlwind of rejection, fake friends, thieves and liars” (via Deadline).

Rather than continuing in the acting world, Paevey decided to devote his energy to his company, Fortunate Wanderer. He began making his own jewelry as a fulfilling hobby during his “General Hospital” days and found it greatly improved his mental health. “One of the most potent weapons I’ve ever had against my ‘dark’ — aside from going out into nature — is feeling productive, feeling useful,” Paevey told Soap Hub.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Source: AfterBuzz TV, Heavy, Deadline, Soap Hub