'At peace': Simu Liu opens up about mental health on 34th birthday
The Canadian actor says 2022 was a tough year, but also one of personal growth.
Simu Liu is starting his 34th year on the right foot.
On Wednesday, the Marvel star took to Instagram to share a black-and-white photo of himself, paired with an emotional note about making it through a tough year.
"So, 33 was a bit of a wild sh—show," Liu began. "But also a year of great personal growth and healing."
The "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" actor recalled at a time when he was achieving success in his career, he was "going through one of the toughest stints of my life," at the same time.
"Therapy and a great support system really got me through it. I'm feeling healthy and at peace going into 34," he shared. Liu called his lifestyle "perilous" due to being in the public eye and frequently subject of "false" allegations.
"This kind of life is maybe the most perilous in this day and age where anyone can write anything about you, true or not, and still have it reach thousands of ears on the internet," Liu detailed.
"I have read things about me that have been twisted horribly or are just flat-out false."
But, he's staying hopeful for the future.
"I'm grateful to everyone who sees me and what I am about, which has always and will forever be an advocate of love, acceptance and equality for all," he concluded.
Liu's vulnerability was quickly met with supportive messages from fans.
"Thanks for being an inspiration and stay strong. Haters gonna hate but they never last," an Instagram user commented on the post.
Another wrote: "I think you’re awesome!"
One user thanked Liu for "normalizing therapy and growth."
"So glad that you're doing well and off to a great start," a fan added. "Wishing you loads of success ahead in your career and spiritual life."
His girlfriend Allison Hsu, a digital marketing director, chimed in to say "love (you) birthday boy" in the comments.
The couple has been dating since late 2022.
In January, Liu impressed fans with a set of photos from a star-studded Tiffany & Co. event held in Toronto, Ont.
The actor showed his support for the brand's new LOCK collection with his toned abs on full display in a grey suit paired with Tiffany & Co. accessories.
While Liu stood alone in his first photo, he posed next to model Hailey Bieber in the second.
"Icy conditions in [Canada]," he captioned the post for his 2.9 million followers.
In the comments, fans swooned over the Ontario-native's bold look and "ripped" figure.
"Okay, yo, take it easy. The rest of us are eating Timbits," an Instagram user quipped, while another wrote, "Shred nation!"
"Good grief, you’re ripped," commented another.
Another wrote: "Never been so proud to be a Canadian in my life."
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