Ben Higgins Is Taking Time to ‘Rest and Heal’ After Breakdown

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Former Bachelor Ben Higgins opened up about taking a break for his mental health after moving home to Indiana — read more

Good for the soul. Ben Higgins opened up about how he’s feeling after revealing he had a breakdown earlier this year.

The former Bachelor, 32, shared advice he received via Twitter on Tuesday, July 27, writing, “Over the last few weeks based on the recommendation and love from those close to me I have been taking time to let my mind rest and heal.”

He encouraged his followers to do the same to support their own well-being. “If life allows you the opportunity I recommend doing the same in whatever capacity and avenue you believe is best. You deserve it,” he added.

Ben Higgins Taking Time for His Mind ‘Rest and Heal’ After Breakdown — Ben Higgins. Broadimage/Shutterstock

Earlier this month, Higgins sat down with Trista Sutter during her “Better Etc.” podcast to explain his return to his home state and the effect his Bachelor Nation fame has had on his mental health.

“I am back in Indiana right now because of a breakdown, again, in my life where I don’t know what’s happening,” he admitted. “I don’t know what this next season of life looks like for me. I’m farther and farther removed from the show, and at the same time, I need to figure out what my life is going to look like and what my legacy is going to be.”

He said that being on reality TV brought him a variety of opportunities — and the brush with stardom made him feel accepted.

“All of a sudden I go from feeling like I’m an outsider to, over a period of time, having enough people tell me that I’m awesome to start feeling pretty good about [myself],” he added. “I start building an identity around that. I started to really feel like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is the thing that I was needing to fill me. … I’ll be in the in-group forever.’”

Unfortunately, that’s the only place he felt acceptance. The thirst for the limelight ultimately faded as he realized fame is fleeting. “I was living not just for other people, but just for other people’s attention,” he said.

The “Ben & Ashley I. Almost Famous” podcast host was the season 20 Bachelor in 2016. He got engaged to Lauren Bushnell at the end of his season, but the pair announced their split in May 2017. Bushnell married singer Chris Lane in 2019 and welcomed their son, Dutton, in June, while her ex-fiancé is now engaged to girlfriend Jessica Clarke.

Higgins’ newfound appreciation for living authentically is reflected on his new podcast, “Hope Still Wins,” which launched in May. The show explores the idea of hope and gives Higgins a chance to have more meaningful conversations.

“As life has been enhanced and changed drastically, I have wanted to use my platform as an avenue to find purpose in talking about human stories, experiences, pains and joys,” he explained via Instagram when the podcast began.

“During the pandemic as opportunities for all of us decreased, I started an Instagram Live series called ‘Hope Still Wins.’ This series brought me joy and a deep sense of meaning…I pray it did for the viewers and 30+ guests as well. Taking this the next (BIG) step with ‘Hope Still Wins’ to continue to learn from diverse thought-leaders around the globe fighting injustice, sharing truth, and intentionally living a lifestyle of love is something I am beyond excited to share with you all.”