Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Chronic Illness, Mental Health, and Advocacy
Lili Reinhart, the 26-year-old actress best known for her role as Betty Cooper on Riverdale, has shared her journey of navigating mental health struggles and chronic illness while building a Hollywood career. With more than 34 million social media followers, she’s using her platform to raise awareness about mental health, autoimmune disorders, and women’s healthcare.
From Small-Town Dreams to Prime-Time Fame
Born in Cleveland and raised in Bay Village, Ohio, Reinhart discovered her love for singing, dancing, and acting at age 10. Determined to pursue a career in entertainment, she frequently traveled eight hours to New York City for auditions.
Her breakout role came in 2017 with Riverdale, which ran for seven seasons and brought her international recognition. Yet, her path to stardom was far from smooth.
Early Struggles with Mental Health
Reinhart has been candid about her experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and eating disorders. She had her first panic attack in eighth grade and later sought therapy, psychiatric care, and antidepressants.
Moving to Los Angeles at 18 intensified her struggles. Living away from family in shared housing exacerbated her anxiety and depression, forcing her to temporarily return home. After focusing on treatment, she returned to Hollywood—and within a month, landed her Riverdale role.
A Worsening Medical Mystery
During later seasons of Riverdale, Reinhart contracted COVID-19 multiple times, leading to extreme fatigue associated with long COVID. She also experienced digestive issues, weight changes, and hair loss, with initial tests for autoimmune disorders coming back negative. She was eventually diagnosed with alopecia, an autoimmune-related hair loss condition.
Diagnosis: Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
In July 2024, while in Germany, Reinhart developed symptoms resembling a urinary tract infection, but repeated tests showed no infection. Upon returning to Los Angeles, a urogynaecology specialist diagnosed her with interstitial cystitis (IC)—a chronic bladder condition causing inflammation, pelvic pain, and urinary discomfort.
IC affects roughly 1% of Americans, primarily women, and is often misdiagnosed as recurring UTIs. There is no cure, but treatment focuses on symptom management. Reinhart now receives weekly bladder instillations and speaks openly about her experience to raise awareness of chronic bladder disorders and invisible illnesses.
Personal Loss Fuels Advocacy
Reinhart has said her grandmother’s delayed cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing in 2025 strengthened her commitment to advocating for women’s health. “She knew something was wrong and kept insisting on tests,” Reinhart shared, underscoring the importance of self-advocacy and persistent medical attention.
Beyond Acting: Poetry and Entrepreneurship
Reinhart has expanded her career into publishing and skincare. Her poetry collection, Swimming Lessons: Poems, explores anxiety, depression, love, fame, and vulnerability. In 2024, she launched Personal Day, a skincare brand focused on realistic solutions inspired by her struggles with cystic acne and sensitive skin.
Her latest acting project is Hal & Harper, created by Cooper Raiff, co-starring Betty Gilpin and Mark Ruffalo.
A Star Advocating for Awareness
Despite her fame, Reinhart continues to challenge herself creatively. “You’ve seen me do Riverdale, but that’s basically all anyone’s ever seen,” she told Teen Vogue. “I want to show you that I can do more.”
Her journey highlights the invisible battles many face behind the spotlight and emphasizes the power of persistence, proper medical care, and self-advocacy. Reinhart’s story is a reminder that even celebrities navigate chronic illness and mental health challenges—and that speaking openly can help others feel seen and supported.
