Colton Haynes opens up about 'intense anxiety'

Colton Haynes has a message for anyone suffering from anxiety: You are not alone.

After sharing an article from Upvoted on the relationship between anxiety and social status, the Arrow and Teen Wolf actor opened up about his own struggle with “intense anxiety” in a series of tweets late Tuesday night.

“It’s been a constant struggle for me since 5th grade,” Haynes wrote. “It’s a battle.”

Haynes revealed that his anxiety has affected not only his health — “Whether it be fainting, hyperventilating, or seizures…I’ve been through it” — but his professional and personal relationships. “I’ve quite [sic] jobs because of anxiety,” he tweeted, “flaked on social events, family gatherings, birthdays, important movie/work tests. Its a serious problem.”

But the actor’s ultimate message was one of hope. “We can overcome this,” he encouraged, before urging his followers who do not suffer from anxiety to relate to those who do with understanding. “Be there for those who struggle with anxiety & realize its a serious disorder. Its not a case of ‘being dramatic’…its a life long struggle.”

“Love those suffering,” Haynes concluded.