Ryan Guzman, ‘9-1-1’ star, recalls mental health crisis

 

Ryan Guzman’s character on the drama series “9-1-1-” has struggled with mental health challenges. The actor can relate.

Guzman, who plays firefighter Eddie Diaz, was a recent guest on the podcast “I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario,” where he got personal about his own mental health.

He was asked about Season 5 in which his character, who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome, has a break down. Guzman said it was “cathartic.”

“I’ve gone through my own mental health issues as far as like my own depression and anxiety,” he said. “I was raised in an age when men aren’t vulnerable and aren’t allowed to show feelings.”

Guzman said he found it therapeutic to be able incorporate some of his own experiences into his performance.

“About six and a half, seven years ago…I had my own mental health crisis and I tried at one point in time to take my own life,” Guzman said. “And luckily it didn’t work. Luckily I got a second chance. By the grace of God.”