'I've accomplished so much:' Arrow star Colton Haynes talks recovery after drug addiction that was brought on by crushing mental health issues
Colton Haynes is coming clean on some of his darkest moments.
The actor took to Instagram on Sunday to post a story he wrote for Paper Magazine that describes his mental health issues, which led to a life of turmoil involving drug use.
His entry is titled: Colton Haynes On the Importance Of Seeking Help.
Seeking help: Colton Haynes writes entry for Paper Magazine on how he took stimulants during depression period. He posted a photo of the story on Instagram last Sunday
In the first section dated back in November 2014, the 28-year-old revealed that he took substances that changed his sleeping pattern.
'I honestly wake up after five hours of sleep wide-awake,' he wrote. 'It's probably from the bottle of wine I drank before I finally fell asleep/passed out or the amount of pills I'd had.'
Colton added that he was experiencing some physical changes as well.
'I read up on why I'm experiencing numbness and lack of circulation in my hands and feet and it's due to the stimulants I've been taking for quite some time now. It causes the blood flow to move toward the heart therefore removing it from the lesser needed places like my hands and feet.'
Road to recovery: The actor felt like a 'vampire' as his health got worse. Here he is in West Hollywood, California two years after his difficult era
Having these issues not only hurt his physical health, but it interfered with his social life.
'I'm a vampire. A shell. Wishing I was the old Colton,' the Arrow actor wrote. 'The person who used to love going out and talking to my family/friends. Now I'm so closed off to the world that I can't even get up enough courage to go in public.'
The star wanted to find a way for things to change, but he felt too lost.
'There are so many things I want to do in this life but I don't know how to start. I don't know who I am anymore.'
Smiling again: Former Teen Wolf star is 'the happiest' he's ever been. He attended the Holland Celebration for Arrow's 100th episode in Vancouver last October
In another story dated in November 2016, the San Andreas actor pointed out how he was able to find his way to becoming who he wants to be.
'I'm finally in a position where I can say I'm the happiest I've ever been,' Colton revealed. 'I've accomplished so much with so little and my smile is finally not forced.'
He then advised anyone out there in trouble to not be afraid to ask for help.
'There are so many amazing people out there who can help with anxiety and other mental health issues- please don't be afraid and know that it gets better.'
Suave guy: The hunky star appeared at a fashion show at the Roxy Hotel in New York City last summer
Colton also made headlines last May when his sexuality was addressed.
'I'm happier than I've ever been, and healthier than I've ever been, and that's what I care about,' he told Entertainment Weekly.
The Kansas native is expected to appear in the film Rock That Body, which hits theaters in June 2017.
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