Ryan Phillippe has opened up about his battle with depression, which was particularly rough in his 20s and 30s. Thankfully, the actor says he is more “at peace” and has learned to embrace life.

He shared with People magazine: “I’m a lot more at peace than I was when I was younger. I struggled much more with depression when I was in my 20s and 30s. I think the amount of reading that I’ve done, the work on myself and the ways that I’ve found to cope are healthier than when I was younger.

I don’t know what that specifically amounts to other than being more careful and considerate about why you make the choices you do or where the feelings you have come from. And then ultimately just breathe.”

And the star, who has 17-year-old Ava and 13-year-old Deacon with ex-partner Reese Witherspoon, revealed he is much happier these days and looks forward to the future.

“I am happy. It hasn’t always been like that, so I’m hoping to keep it going. And I think from there too, giving back and sharing whatever I can [is important].”

He also had some sound advice for those who have periodically suffered from depressing, adding: “When you go through dark periods in life or if you’re a person who has struggled with depression as I have throughout my life, to know that that can decrease and that it doesn’t have to be your defining characteristic, that you can find ways to manage and cope and feel better – that’s what I’m referring to.”

There is a sensitivity that will never change and an empathy that will never change but how you deal with those feelings and where you let them take you, that’s an individualistic journey for anyone who struggles.”