Every Modern Family fan knows that Sarah Hyland has been put through the wringer when it comes to health.
But the actress recently shed light on just how difficult her multiple illnesses have been in a recent interview, revealing that being forced to undergo two kidney transplants left her "contemplating suicide".
In an interview with Self magazine, published on Monday, the 28-year-old opened up about her struggles with kidney dysplasia, a condition that can cause the organ to malfunction, claiming that she felt she had "failed" her family when her body rejected her father's kidney.
Hyland, who plays Hayley on the hit ABC show, had her first kidney transplant seven years ago, with her dad donating the organ.
In 2016 her body began rejecting the kidney, which had to be removed in May 2017. During that surgery, doctors also discovered she had an abdominal hernia.
Luckily, her younger brother Ian was found to be a match a few months later; according to the interview, discovering he could help his sister made Ian "like he could breathe again".
Speaking of the ordeal, the comedy star claimed it left her feeling depressed and living in constant fear that her body would reject the second organ.
"I was very depressed," she said. "When a family member gives you a second chance at life, and it fails, it almost feels like it's your fault. It's not. But it does. For a long time, I was contemplating suicide because I didn't want to fail my little brother like I failed my dad. I had gone through [my whole life] of always being a burden, of always having to be looked after, having to be cared for."
Commenting on how sharing her suicidal thoughts with someone close to her helped, the actress added: "It’s not shameful. For anybody that wants to reach out to somebody but doesn't really know how because they're too proud or they think that they'll be looked upon as weak, it's not a shameful thing to say. It's not a shameful thing to share."
Thankfully, nowadays the young star - who also suffers with endometriosis - is doing much better, describing herself as "happy" and "thriving".
"I'm stable I'm thriving. I'm super happy with life," she said.
After the interview was published, the actress took to social media to state that she hopes her story makes others experiencing similar health struggles feel less alone.
"I say words here (link in bio) that hopefully others can relate to and feel like they’re not alone," she wrote on Instagram. "Hopefully those that are lucky enough not to experience this will learn about something new and take a moment to appreciate their health. Thank you so much to all the love and light I have received today. I love you all ❤️".
Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah. You're a trooper through and through.
