Ryan Phillippe urges openness about depression: 'We can help each other cope'

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Ryan Phillippe hopes people being open about depression will help others cope with the condition.

The 42-year-old actor said in the September issue of Women's Health that he doesn't think there's "any reason" not to talk about depression and other mood disorders.

"I think people fear being stigmatized or treated in a blanket fashion, which is sometimes the response to someone who says, 'I struggle with depression.' But really, depression could manifest in a thousand different ways depending on who it is," Phillippe said.

"I don't think there's any reason not to talk about it. We can help each other cope and give tools that we learn along the way," he explained.

Phillippe said he personally combats depression by letting go of "superficial things" and giving himself time and space to focus on his mental health.

"I also have issues with patience and depression, and I'm thinking about how to focus and steady myself and be kinder and better," he shared. "Meditation and exercise work for me."

Phillippe previously opened up about his battle with depression in an interview with Elle in 2015. The actor expressed regret that Ava, his 17-year-old daughter with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, also struggles with the mood disorder.

"You know, depression has been a huge obstacle for me ever since I was a child. As you get older I think it decreases some, but I'm just innately kind of a sad person," he told the magazine.

"I see it in my daughter," the star said. "She has it, and I wish to hell she didn't. It's just, some people do have this pervading sort of sadness."

Phillippe is known for such films as I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions. He presently stars as Bob Lee Swagger on the USA Network series Shooter, which returned for a second season in July.