“If ur in the middle of the dark times…I promise you it doesn’t have to last forever,” Haynes wrote on Instagram.
Actor Colton Haynes shared photos of his hospitalization for substance use disorder to celebrate the progress he has made on his mental health and well-being.
His Instagram post included photos from when Haynes was hospitalized a year ago following a bender.
“Throwback,” wrote the actor, best known for his role in Teen Wolf. “I don’t want worrying about if I look hot or not on Instagram to be my legacy. I don’t want to skirt around the truth to please other people or to gain economic success. I have far more important things to say than what magazine I just shot for or what tv show I’m a part of (Although I’m very thankful I still get to do what I love).”
Priorities
Haynes said that his experience with addiction, depression and anxiety helped him define his priorities.
“I no longer want to project a curated life,” he wrote. “I get immense joy when someone comes up to me & says that my willingness to open up about depression, anxiety, alcoholism, & addiction has helped them in some way.”
After being hospitalized last year following his divorce and the death of his mother, Haynes began opening up about his demons. He said in his post that the past year has been about learning to acknowledge his struggles and still live a healthy life.
“I’ve struggled the past year with trying to find my voice and where I fit in & that has been the most beautiful struggle I’ve ever had to go through,” Haynes wrote.
He realized, through that struggle, that he had a larger purpose than projecting a perfect image.
“Worrying about what time to post on social media so I can maximize my likes or being mad at myself that I don’t look the same way I did when I was addicted to pills is a complete waste of why I was put on this earth,” he wrote. “I’m posting these photos to let y’all in on my truth. I’m so grateful to be where I am now ( a year after these photos were taken) but man these times were dark. I’m a human being with flaws just like you.”
Haynes ended with a positive message for anyone who is still struggling with addiction or mental illness.
“If ur in the middle of the dark times…I promise you it doesn’t have to last forever,” he wrote. “Love ya’ll.”
