‘My grief was unresolved’: Former Disney star Karan Brar opens up about early fame and its impact on his health

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former Disney Channel sensation, Karan Brar, candidly discusses his mental health battle in an essay for Teen Vogue, revealing the entirety of his journey.

Brar disclosed that the passing of his friend and former co-star Cameron Boyce had a profound impact on him.

In his essay, the 'Stargirl' actor expressed, "I hadn’t addressed my internalized homophobia, erroneously believing that coming out to my friends would eliminate it (which it didn't). My mental health deteriorated, and my grief remained unresolved."

He continued, "[Had] been on a downward spiral since Cameron suddenly died. With the pandemic putting the world on pause, I was forced to sit with myself. I refused to acknowledge how much pain I was in and isolated myself in a deeply unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Some of my friends knew that I needed help, but I didn’t for a long time."

Brar knew he needed help!

Having grappled with suicidal thoughts in 2020, he made the decision to seek help for his depression and anxiety.

In his essay, he emphasized, "What many people may not realize is that suicidal ideations don’t necessarily appear overnight — instead, they can take root and grow from one stray thought."

"Before you know it, you find yourself slipping into suicidal thoughts, making plans 'just in case.' It slowly chips away at your soul, leaving you in a state of helplessness."

Brar reflected, "There were only a few fragments left of my will to live, but I had enough to carry me to the doorstep of my treatment center — and I felt incredibly lucky knowing that.”

Rehab helped Brar fight depression and anxiety

Karan continued, “I’d spent years trying to fastidiously maintain a public facade, and yet there I was, fulfilling the Disney star rehab prophecy I had been adamant about avoiding. I was flooded with a sense of failure, but there was no turning back now."

Having largely recovered, the 24-year-old no longer experiences PTSD symptoms.

"I find my emotions much more manageable," he shared. "I'm no longer overwhelmed by the grief of losing Cameron. Instead, I've embraced grief as an ever-changing experience that I just have to navigate. Those around me also notice these changes, and I can sense their relief as we venture further into our twenties."

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.