Former Disney Channel star Debby Ryan has opened up about a serious brain injury that dramatically changed her life and left her unable to work normally for around six months. During an appearance on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals, Ryan explained that she has experienced five concussions throughout her life, but one particular injury had far more lasting consequences. Following that incident, she said she experienced sustained shaking lasting more than a minute and was forced to step away from her usual life while undergoing neurological rehabilitation. Ryan described the experience as creating a clear divide between what she calls “pre-incident Debby” and “post-incident Debby.” She spent approximately six months receiving neurological rehabilitation and also underwent treatments she described as “fringe science,” which were intended to help her brain and body function normally again. The recovery process, however, involved much more than medical care. Ryan said the support of the people around her helped her cope with the possibility that some aspects of her life might never completely return to the way they had been before.

Ryan has since recovered some of the abilities and experiences she lost, although she says certain effects remain. One continuing problem is that she sometimes needs to close her eyes when concentrating or trying to think clearly. She also deals with frequent migraines, which she jokingly describes as being a “migraine warrior.” For her, the episodes can make everyday environments extremely difficult to tolerate, particularly when there is excessive noise, brightness, or activity around her. Ryan explained that the world can sometimes feel overwhelmingly loud and bright during these episodes, making ordinary surroundings almost unbearable. Despite the lasting challenges, she expressed gratitude for the people who stayed beside her throughout her recovery. Their support helped her remember who she had been while also giving her the space to accept how the injury had changed her. Her experience has left her with a different understanding of herself and a life divided between before and after the injury.