Alec Baldwin’s wife reveals the actor was diagnosed with PTSD after the fatal ‘Rust’ shooting

In the wake of the tragic shooting on the Rust set in October 2021, actor Alec Baldwin's wife, Hilaria Baldwin, revealed that he was diagnosed with PTSD. They spoke about the emotional and psychological toll the accident had taken on their life in the first episode of their new TLC reality series, The Baldwins.

According to his 41-year-old wife, Hilaria Baldwin, Baldwin's mental health has deteriorated significantly since the incident, ultimately resulting in a PTSD diagnosis. She said,

“He was diagnosed with PTSD, and in his darkest moments, he asks, ‘If an accident had to happen that day, why am I still here? Why couldn’t it have been me?’”

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Alec Baldwin's emotional turmoil and mental health battles

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in the shooting when a prop gun that Alec Baldwin was holding suddenly went off. Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter despite his denials of guilt, claiming he never pulled the trigger and was not aware the gun was loaded with live bullets. Even though his case was ultimately dropped in July 2024, the trauma he experienced from the incident still plagues him.

Alec Baldwin revealed the extent of his struggles since the devastating event in an unguarded moment from the reality series. The Cooler actor said in a confessional that there were moments when he lay in bed and thought,

“There were times I’d lay in bed, and I’d just go, ‘I can’t get up.’ And that’s not like me. I’m not like that in any way—never.”

Baldwin agreed, telling a close friend that he frequently feels more relaxed when he's sleeping than when he's up. Baldwin revealed,

“I’m happier when I’m asleep than when I’m awake.”

underscoring his persistent emotional suffering and disengagement from day-to-day existence.

Alec and Hilaria acknowledge that their seven children have given them moments of joy at the most trying times, despite the tremendous psychological strain. Hilaria mentioned, reflecting on the tenacity of their family.

“Even though this is hard, and there are moments where I don’t know how we’re going to continue, I look at the kids and see how hard we’re trying to create happiness for them—even if we’re masking the pain for ourselves.”

Despite the challenges they face, they find comfort in the love and happiness they are able to provide and get from their family. Alec told Hilaria,

“Honestly, from the bottom of my soul, I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you and these kids. Sometimes I think, ‘Why did I have seven kids?’ But now, I realize they’re here to help carry both of us through this situation.”

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Alec Baldwin's legal battle that caused him emotional wounds

The emotional wounds are still present even if Alec Baldwin's legal issues were resolved in July 2024 when the involuntary manslaughter charges were dropped. In the program, Baldwin said to his wife,

“This has been surreal. I can’t believe we’re going through this. I feel more pain for you than I do for myself because I think about how much this has hurt you, too.”

In yet another genuine admission, Hilaria recognized the profound and enduring influence the tragedy has had on their family's story. She said,

“Halyna lost her life in the most unthinkable way. A son lost his mother, and we’re going to carry this pain forever. This will always be a part of our family’s story.”

Alec Baldwin still struggles with emotions of sorrow and guilt in spite of his denials of guilt and the court ruling. Baldwin said,

“I always feel like, if this had to happen, why couldn’t it have been me instead? Why did someone else have to lose their life?”

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