Nina Dobrev Hasn’t ‘Been on a Bicycle’ in 10 Months Since Her Dirt Bike Accident: ‘There’s a Mental Fear’ (Exclusive)

Actress Nina Dobrev Shared Her Struggles Following Dirt Bike Accident

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, Nina Dobrev, best known for her role in the hit series “The Vampire Diaries,” opened up about the mental obstacles she has been facing since her dirt bike accident nearly a year ago. The 36-year-old actress revealed that she is still dealing with fears and anxieties related to the incident that left her with severe injuries.

Dobrev recounted the harrowing experience that took place in May 2024 when she was out for a dirt bike ride and ended up in the hospital with multiple injuries to her knee. She underwent surgery for her ACL, meniscus, and fractured knee, which required a lengthy and challenging recovery process. Despite making progress in her healing journey, the actress admitted that she is still hesitant about returning to activities she once enjoyed.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Dobrev shared, “I’m just anxious to just feel fully normal and not feel like there’s a mental fear. There’s a little bit of trepidation trying things again. I haven’t been on a bicycle since the accident. The accident happened on a dirt bike, but I haven’t even been able to get on a bicycle since. Which I wouldn’t want to tackle soon.”

The actress, who recently collaborated with SC Johnson for the Join Zuzu campaign to raise awareness about plastic waste and recycling, expressed her hopes to regain full confidence and freedom in her physical abilities as she continues her recovery journey. Dobrev emphasised the importance of giving oneself time and space to heal both physically and emotionally after going through a traumatic event.

While Dobrev is optimistic about her progress and anticipates being able to engage in activities like snowboarding again soon, she acknowledged that overcoming the mental hurdles is an ongoing process. The support of her fans and loved ones has played a significant role in her recovery journey, providing her with encouragement and strength to push through the challenges she has faced.

Despite the setbacks and uncertainties she has encountered, Dobrev remains resilient and determined to overcome the lingering effects of her accident. Her candidness about the mental and emotional struggles she has faced serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising one’s mental well-being alongside physical recovery.

As Dobrev continues to navigate her recovery journey, she encourages others facing similar challenges to be patient with themselves and seek support from those around them. By sharing her story, the actress hopes to inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity and find the inner strength to overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable.

With her positive attitude and unwavering determination, Nina Dobrev serves as a beacon of resilience and hope for anyone grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Her willingness to speak openly about her struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and perseverance in the face of adversity.