Debby Ryan Opens Up About Growing Up in the Spotlight

“I’ve spent the last ten years in public, learning and growing, and becoming a young lady.”

If you grew up watching Disney Channel, we’re pretty sure you also have been a Debby Ryan fan since Day 1. But that also means that the actress herself has been on our television screens acting in countless shows and movies throughout her own childhood. Now, she’s sharing her raw and honest take on some of the ways it has been difficult.

In a new Instagram post, Debby wrote a personal note about how much she has changed while growing up in the public eye. She has, of course, had some brilliant successes and incredible accomplishments, but she has also had those times where nothing went right. What most surprised her is how differently people treated her along the way.

“I’ve spent the last ten years in public, learning and growing, misstepping, being a teenager and becoming a yung lady; I’ve made dumb mistakes,” she share. “People who didn’t care began to care when I messed up. People who cared stopped caring when they got what they wanted and moved up. I’ve been deeply betrayed in ways that scarred everything.”

Debby explained that she is channeling all of her past experiences and emotions into the work of her future. She’s fueling her current drive with everything she’s learned before.

“I’ve kept so many people’s secrets, long after they hurt me. People have been keeping mine. I’ve been keeping mine,” she added. “I’ve been using mine, repurposing my lessons and desperate heartaches to bring this girl to life. Shooting from 4:48am on Monday to 3am Saturday, 12-16 hour days, 5 days a week on a 6 month stretch, from the shadows in the corners of me. We all experience pain in a way nobody will know. I just think if we already have pain, we shouldn’t waste it.”

What a powerful message. We’re proud of Debby for sharing her story with her fans in this way.