Lili Reinhart is opening up about her mental health struggles. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her portrayal of Betty Cooper on Riverdale from 2017 to 2023, has candidly discussed the pressures of Hollywood and her long-standing battle with body dysmorphia.
Speaking with Self Magazine, Reinhart revealed, "I really don’t like looking at season six imagery or pictures, because I know 99 percent of my thoughts were about my body." Landing her breakthrough role at just 19 years old, Reinhart admits the constant focus on her appearance led her to feel disassociated during many filming days: "I was a thousand percent just disassociated through those entire days or scenes because my entire inner dialogue is just … ‘Your body’s changing.’"
She shared the strenuous nature of the entertainment industry, noting, "It was really hard to keep up, but I did." Reinhart emphasized her commitment to her work: "I didn’t have a choice, and I’ve always just showed up and done my job." This dedication, paired with the industry's high expectations, took a toll on her mental well-being.
Throughout her career, Reinhart has been vocal about mental health, speaking at various events, including making headlines for addressing the topic at the White House. Reflecting on the irony of her situation, she stated, "That’s the ironic thing people don’t see. I’m literally in Washington, D.C., at the White House giving a speech on mental health. And then, later, I am sobbing, feeling so defeated." This stark juxtaposition highlights the challenges she faces, even as she advocates for change.
Reinhart opened up about her history with depression during her conversation with Glamour UK back in 2019. She described it as "somethingthat never goes away," explaining how she grapples with feelings of unmotivation and stress. "I have spells of time where I feel completely unmotivated, I don't want to do anything, and I question myself," she revealed. To combat this, she has developed healthy coping mechanisms and learned to speak about her experiences with others for support.
Therapy plays a significant role in her life. "Seeing the therapist allowed me to be understood," she remarked. For her, therapy is about growth and problem-solving: "The goal for me has been to always leave therapy feeling a couple of inches taller. I am not crazy, and I am not problematic. I am just a human who's feeling something different than some others would." Reinhart seeks to embody resilience, emphasizing the necessity of consistent mental health support.
Fast forward to 2023, Reinhart took to social media to express her frustration with Hollywood's beauty standards and their influence on her self-image. "I wish there were more average-sized arms represented in mainstream media for women," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Her vulnerability was evident as she opened up about the impact of these standards on her body dysmorphia. "My body dysmorphia has been going crazy because I feel like my arms need to be half the size they are currently?" she shared, conveying her struggles with self-acceptance.
She continued, expressing despair over societal pressures: "I truly wonder how anyone survives or gets through this life without having severe BD. The amount of time I've wasted thinking about my arms is insane." Reinhart’s reflections shine light on the toll these issues take on women, exemplifying her advocacy for change.
Despite these challenges, Reinhart feels content with her personal growth and the advocacy work she has accomplished. She stated, "I feel strong and happy about the mental health advocacy I’ve done, and I feel happy I’m about to bring physical health to the conversation." She recognizes significant upcoming challenges: "I know getting help for women over the next four years is going to be exponentially more difficult." Her encouragement rings true: "Listen to your body, and don’t take no for an answer. Don’t let a doctor tell you nothing’s wrong when you know there is."
Through her openness, Lili Reinhart inspires many by illustrating the importance of mental well-being, advocating for body positivity, and urging others to trust their instincts when it appears healthcare could overlook their real concerns.