Actor Ryan Reynolds discusses his mental health struggles and why he thinks they are actually a blessing in disguise, especially when it comes to parenting.

In a recent interview with People's latest cover story companion thespian Hugh Jackman, the Deadpool star said his "anxiety struggles" have gotten better now that he is a parent. I was asked if I believed it. In response, Reynolds explained that his anxiety helps him become a more caring, more present, and more understandable parent.

"I think it will be better because your focus is more on your children, not yourself," Reynolds explained, adding that Jackman also knows "you know that."

"Now I love having anxiety and I love having anxiety," Reynolds continued. "When I see my kids probably experiencing something genetic, I know how to deal with it in a compassionate way, so actually they see I know I can't fix it. And I can tell them, and everything with them. I always appreciate it."

Reynolds shares four children with his wife and fellow actor Blake Lively— Betty, Ines, James, and whose names are not yet open to the public

During today's recent appearance, the proud dad recently decided to parent his 4 children solo while his wife is away."

"No one is dead, it was good," he said at the time. "And 4 kids, it's just a zoo! You just surrender and right "You just surrender 24/7.""

According to one Harvard University study in 2022, an estimated 20% of mothers and 15% of fathers report feeling anxious, and anxiety among parents and caregivers is exacerbated by COVID—19. According to one 2021 study, 34 percent of U.S. parents said they had experienced "elevated anxiety symptoms" as a result of the pandemic.

A proud father of 2, Jackman shared his own experience of anxiety and how it affects him as a parent.

"I used to be a little old school. I thought: "Don't burden them if you're worried," he explained. "You have an opening night, or say you're hosting an Oscar — three weeks ago, I go a little farther. And someone told me: "But your child does not know that you have an Oscar." Maybe they think you're mad at them (or) they've done something.

"I had to make an unpleasant phone call yesterday, and I actually just said to my son: "I have to make this unpleasant phone call." I'm a little nervous about it. If I seem a bit off, that's why," he continued. And he goes: "Oh."And he said, "How did the call go, Dad?""I said, "I feel so good.

Reynolds reportedly nodded in agreement before replying."