Ryan Sutter Opens Up: Lyme Disease And The Struggle With Dark Thoughts

Ryan Sutter's Battle with Lyme Disease

The Bachelorette's beloved alum, Ryan Sutter, has been on a turbulent journey battling Lyme disease, sharing both the ups and downs of his health challenges. In an honest interview with People, published on March 19, Ryan, now 51, provided a glimpse into his current state. "I'm at a pretty good place," he remarked. "Most days are good, with a few bad ones here and there." Ryan has learned to manage these fluctuations, often sensing when a bad day is approaching and taking measures to avoid overexertion.

Ryan, who tied the knot with the first-ever Bachelorette, Trista Sutter, announced his Lyme disease diagnosis in 2021. As he navigated this tough health battle, he encountered a new realm of dark thoughts and emotions.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever sympathized with suicide,” Ryan revealed, explaining the frustration that chronically ill individuals often feel.

Understanding the Mental Struggles

While he never felt compelled to act on these thoughts, Ryan gained an understanding of why those suffering might feel trapped in a continuous cycle of pain, fearing they will always be a burden to their loved ones. "You think, 'I don't know what my purpose in life is,'" he confessed, highlighting the internal struggle many face.

Ryan has adopted strategies to combat these feelings, paying closer attention to his moods and relying on supplements to keep these thoughts at bay. "As long as I can keep going, moving forward, I feel like that keeps it at bay," he explained.

Family Support and Future Hopes

Ryan's wife, Trista, has been his rock throughout this ordeal, despite finding the experience "scary." As she shared on Chris Harrison's podcast, "Most Dramatic Podcast Ever," she has witnessed Ryan's resilience firsthand. "He says he's about 80 percent," Trista observed, marveling at his strength.

The couple, married for over two decades, are parents to son Maxwell, 18, and daughter Blakesley, 16. Ryan remains hopeful for a future cure, envisioning a healthy life where he can enjoy activities with potential grandchildren.

"I just want to be healthy enough that, God willing, we have grandkids that I can do fun things with them," Ryan expressed, looking forward to brighter days ahead.