Yahoo Lifestyle Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Her 'Hardest Year' Battling Chronic Illness
Lili Reinhart is giving an "honest glimpse" into her search for answers related to her health in a detailed recap of what she called the "hardest year of my life."
On Thursday, the Riverdale alum–who previously has been very candid about her mental health–shared several photos of herself in various medical offices as well as screenshots of texts she sent to loved ones at the time she initially set out looking for explanations.
"I feel it’s important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues," the 28-year-old actress wrote in the caption accompanying her Jan. 23 Instagram upload.
Reinhart said she was "inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer," explaining that "it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her. And by then, the cancer had spread."
The Chemical Hearts and Look Both Ways producer didn't want to see her health issues progress before uncovering the issue, so she fought as her own advocate, and eventually, test results located the underlying chronic illness that was causing her bladder pain and discomfort.
"Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life," Reinhart admitted.
"The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health," she added. "Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain."
"I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience. ❤️🩹," she concluded.
It was around this time last year that Reinhart first revealed she was diagnosed with alopecia "in the midst of a major depressive episode" in a video she posted to TikTok in January 2024.
"Red light therapy is my new best friend #alopecia #mentalhealth," she captioned the clip.
According to the National Institute of Health, alopecia is a common autoimmune disease that occurs when "the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss." The cause of the condition is unknown, and it affects as many as 6.7 million people in the U.S., per the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Next: Kelly Ripa Shares Candid Look at Her Post-Sobriety Weight-Gain
