Alden Richards shares how he coped with mental health challenges
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Alden Richards on cycling as one of his coping mechanisms: "I think this is one of the hobbies that really hinila niya ako paakyat."
More than a recreational activity, cycling has become an important part of Alden Richards's personal journey.
In a vlog interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, Asia's Multimedia Star opened up about how cycling helped him cope with the mental health challenges he experienced last year.
"Ever since I started my journey with cycling, Ms. Karen, way back April 24, 2025-- Very specific because it is very pivotal for me. I think this is one of the hobbies that really hinila niya ako paakyat because of all the mental health challenges that I have been experiencing," he shared.
The Kapuso actor also reflected on one of the darkest periods of his life.
"I think it came from all the small taking for granted moments sa sarili ko po. Ano na siya e, culmination na siya of everything, Ms. Karen. Yung, siyempre, may mga maliliit na bagay ka na itatabi mo talaga 'yung sarili mo. You will let other people and their needs first prior to yours," he said.
He admitted that constantly putting others before himself eventually took a toll on his mental well-being.
"All of a sudden, when I reached my 30s, right now, I'm 34. Parang doon lang siya slowly nagma-manifest na all those bottled-up moments and emotions started to overpour already," he shared.
Alden added, "I never really got the chance to deal with it because for the longest time, hindi ko siya pinapansin e. Then, one day, it got me. Lack of purpose. Lack of motivation. Parang, I didn't want to do this anymore. No work. Wala ng point. Parang everything doesn't make sense anymore."
He also previously shared in an exclusive interview with GMA Network.com that cycling gave him a "euphoric feeling (https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/alden-richards-gets-real-about-his-fitness-transformation/122679/)." Since then, he has completed his first triathlon and is now planning to compete in an Ironman race in 2027.
Alden currently stars in the romantic comedy series Love, Siargao, where he is paired with Nadine Lustre for the first time.
He is also set to appear in the upcoming GMA medical drama series Code Grey alongside Christopher de Leon, Romnick Sarmenta, Andrea Torres, Faith Da Silva, Allen Ansay, Shuvee Etrata, Joross Gamboa, Christian Bautista, Kristoffer Martin, and Jon Lucas.
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