Despite being one of the biggest movie stars in the world, martial arts legend Jet Li faces struggles of his own too.

The 62-year-old star opened up on Douyin about his mental health, and how he suspects he might have mild autism. He also candidly reflected on how his rise to fame at a young age might have led to social anxiety.

According to the Fearless actor, the constant attention and pressure from the public made him feel like he had lost his true self, especially when he found himself perpetually surrounded by fans.

Although he didn’t elaborate on what specifically led him to believe he has mild autism, he recognised his social anxiety after feeling overwhelmed while signing autographs.

“You sign for the first 50 people, but the next 10 who didn’t get a signature won’t be happy,” he said.

Jet also felt that being an athlete was simpler than being an actor.

Before becoming a movie star, he was a decorated wushu champion, winning five men’s national championships before retiring in 1979.

Jet said that as an athlete, one only needs to perform well on the field and can otherwise live life as themselves, actors have to "wear a mask" even when they’re not on set.

He even said he found himself “really disliking media interviews and going to crowded places”.

“Basically, if there’s a crowd, and it’s not for filming, I won’t go. So, my autism is actually quite serious,” he revealed.

The Hero actor was also diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2010, which saw him stepping away from physically demanding roles.

However, Jet says he feels less anxious about being in public now and recently managed to enjoy a cup of coffee with his daughter at a café in Shanghai.

“I didn’t have the courage before to sit by the roadside in a busy city, drink a coffee, and people-watch,” he shared.

Jet also credits his philanthropy for helping him emerge from his isolation and how it forced him to interact with others.

Jet has been an ambassador of the Red Cross Society of China since 2006, and in 2007, founded non-governmental organisation One Foundation. 

“I reached out to all my friends in the entertainment industry… I even asked Yao Ming and Liu Xiang to help promote the One Foundation,” he said.

“At that point, there was no internal struggle [for me], and I felt it was just something I had to do.”

Photos Jet Li/Douyin