‘Bridgerton’ Star Shows About How Mental Health Changed Her Body
Bridgerton star Ruby Barker has opened up about how her mental health journey has affected her body, sharing an honest look at the physical side effects of her treatment. Barker, who plays Marina Thompson in Netflix’s hit period drama, detailed the changes on her Instagram last month.
In a gym video, the 29-year-old actress showed herself running on a treadmill and focused on a ticket displaying her weight at 112.5 kg (248 pounds). She explained that medication for her bipolar disorder had slowed her metabolism and caused what she called “medical weight gain.”
“Many of you know my story and the battles I’ve faced living with bipolar disorder. This is the physical aftermath of eight months of treatment — and honestly, it’s brought a whole new mental challenge with it. Hooray,” Ruby wrote in the post.
She also mentioned her boyfriend, adding, “I’m doing what I can, and I’m grateful to have Oliver supporting me through it. Please wish me luck on this journey, because it isn’t easy. I truly empathise with anyone struggling with their weight — the comparison, the mirror, the constant mental noise.”
Barker has been candid about the emotional toll of these changes. She admitted that some days she struggles to look in the mirror and finds herself comparing her current body to her past shape or to others.
Despite this, she emphasized patience and self-compassion while managing her mental health. “It can feel like a living nightmare, and it doesn’t resolve overnight. But on a positive note: today is my fourth day vape-free, and I’m already feeling the benefits in my cardio. One step at a time,” she added.
The actress previously criticized Netflix and Shondaland for not supporting her after she experienced two psychotic breaks, the first occurring after filming Bridgerton season one. She revealed in a 2022 video, “I’ve been struggling since Bridgerton, this is the truth. I’ve been really unwell. I’m in hospital, I’m going to be discharged soon.”
Fans and followers have flooded the comments with encouragement, thanking Barker for speaking openly about the side effects of mental health medication and the challenges of managing her weight. The actress’s honesty is helping to shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of mental health treatment.
It’s clear that Ruby Barker is committed to taking care of herself while being open about her struggles. What do you think about her story and her openness on social media? Share your thoughts in the comments.
