Denise Richards Gets Candid About Difficult 2025, Says She's 'Finally Starting to Feel Like Me Again'

After weathering a tough 2025, Denise Richards is hopeful for a better 2026.

The 54-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shared a vulnerable post on Instagram on Thursday (January 1) to bring in the New Year by reflecting on what she says was “one of the most painful years I’ve lived.”

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“Looking back at all the photos & videos I have of 2025, it feels like I’m looking at two different people & lived two different lives,” she wrote.

Denise said that it was “the year of the snake ????,” and joked it was “a year of shedding, literally,” and tagged facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei—she clarified that “more on that” would come later with some pics and videos.

“As painful as it is, I’m so grateful for the clarity. I shed alot of tears and felt pain & betrayal I never knew existed,” Denise continued. “I couldn’t have gotten through this year if it weren’t for my family, old & new friends, this community, those of you I work with.”

The Wild Things actress is likely referring to the ongoing divorce battle with her ex, Aaron Phypers. He filed for divorce in July 2025 after six years of marriage.

Weeks later, Denise requested a restraining order against him, alleging that he had physically abused her throughout their marriage. In November, she was granted a five-year restraining order.

In her Instagram post, the reality TV star also said she felt very thankful and humbled for the chance to meet fans at BravoCon this year.

“I’m so grateful to all of you. I did have a lot of blessed happy moments in 2025 & especially the last couple months, I’m finally starting to feel like me again, only better. I’m looking forward to the year of the Horse. I feel very lucky that it starts on my birthday,” she concluded her caption.

Most recently, Denise starred in a one-season reality show called Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. She will also be a “friend of” on the current season of RHOBH. New episodes return on Bravo on January 8.