Renée Zellweger, renowned for her iconic role in the Bridget Jones film series, has shed light on her absence from the Hollywood spotlight.
The American actress recently disclosed to New York Magazine that her hiatus from the industry was driven by severe depression.
"I received some ill-advised counsel and made some regrettable decisions. My life was shrouded in shadows, and I carried a profound sadness," confessed Zellweger.
Despite the challenges she faced, the 50-year-old actress viewed her time away from Hollywood as an opportunity for healing and self-discovery. "I don't consider it time wasted, because I gleaned profound lessons from that period. I suppose it was what I needed. I gained a new perspective, recognized patterns in my behavior, and grasped the consequences of my actions," she added. "I'm proud of the self-discovery and the path I embarked on."
Zellweger acknowledged the role of therapy in helping her navigate the complex emotions that accompanied her hiatus. "I needed the space to not constantly have something planned, to embrace uncertainty about what I'd be doing two years down the line. I wanted to grant myself the freedom to make mistakes. There needed to be moments of silence for new ideas to take shape," she revealed.
Additionally, Zellweger shared a valuable piece of advice she received from her friend Salma Hayek during her personal struggles. Hayek provided her with a beautiful metaphor, saying, "Roses don't bloom all year round unless they're made of plastic." Zellweger sought clarification, and Hayek explained that it was essential to stop pretending that everything was fine and take time to rest and regroup.
Renée Zellweger's journey to self-discovery and healing is a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being, even in the glamorous world of Hollywood.
