Bold And The Beautiful News: Alum Jacob Young Promotes Mental Health Hotline

Bold And The Beautiful (B&B) alum Jacob Young posted a very personal message on Instagram, detailing his struggles with mental health, as he promoted The Boys Town National Hotline.

“I too had to deal with suicide in my family,” he shared. “Years ago I didn’t know how to deal with it and contemplated taking my own life. Your not alone. Personally I keep the Boys Town National Hotline number saved in my phone in case I or my children may need it one day.”

Young, who played Rick Forrester on the B&B, said that at the age of 40, he’s still trying to take care of his mental health. He struggled with alcohol and drugs for a time, but luckily he’s found ways to cope in a healthy way.

Bold And The Beautiful News – Young’s Instagram Post An Important One

“There is a Free Hotline that’s available to ANYONE 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he posted. “The Boys Town National Hotline. Accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).”

View this post on Instagram

Today at the age of 40, I’m still working on ways of taking care of my mental health. Like so many I had struggled with masking an overwhelming painful past with drugs and alcohol, that pain still resurfaces every now and then. Thankfully I now have the tools to recognize those feelings and am much better equipped on how to handle them in a healthy way that works for me. Everyone deals with and guilt and pain. Yes, you are normal. Taking care of your mental health can be simple things you can implicate to your daily life or in times of crisis. For me, having an open dialogue with the one I love or trust is always a great place to start. Trust that they have seen you at your best and most definitely at your worst. Exercise, meditation, breathing techniques or a simple brisk walk can do wonders to help eliminate negative feelings and thoughts. For times these self-care routines don’t work or when the load is just too heavy. There is a Free Hotline that’s available to ANYONE 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Boys Town National Hotline. Accredited by the American Association of Suicidology. (AAS). I too had to deal with suicide in my family. Years ago I didn’t know how to deal with it and contemplated taking my own life. Your not alone. Personally I keep the Boys Town National Hotline number saved in my phone in case I or my children may need it one day. Don’t be afraid to get help. 1-800-448-3000. For more information and helpful content for parents and kids, please check out their website www.yourlifeyourvoice.org (link in bio) @ylyv_can_help #Boytownnationalhotline #partnered @boystownvillage

A post shared by Jacob Young (@jacob_w_young) on Dec 30, 2019 at 1:08pm PST

Young’s post elicited praise and support from his friends and fans.

“Dude… this is my favorite post in a very long time. Beautiful brother 👊🏼💪🏼❤️🙏🏼,” Cameron Mathison, who played Ryan Lavery on All My Children commented. Mathison is also an Entertainment Tonight correspondent and host of the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family.

Bold And The Beautiful News – Fans Applauded Young For His Honesty

“Wow! I never would have thought. You have always appeared so happy and self assured since your beginnings on BB,” one fan commented. “I applaud you for telling your story and helping so many.”

Young played Rick on the B&B on and off from 1997 to 2018. Many fans are hoping he will return to the sudser one day.

In the meantime, if you or someone you love is dealing with a mental illness or is contemplating suicide, there is help available. The first step you can take is to call 1-800-448-3000 or visit The Boys Town National Hotline website. Keep reading The Soap Scoop for more Bold And The Beautiful news and spoilers.