About mental illness and addiction
Starting a diet can feel surprisingly easy. The first few days may bring motivation, careful meal planning, and confidence that this time will be different. Then hunger increases, stress takes over, cravings set in, a social event disrupts the plan, or one unplanned meal leads to thoughts of giving up completely. Why is sticking to … Read more
When a controversial public figure experiences a personal crisis, people may be tempted to describe the situation as “karma.” Perez Hilton’s recent mental-health crisis has prompted exactly that kind of reaction online. But a life-threatening mental-health emergency is not an appropriate moment for celebration, punishment, or amateur diagnosis. It is an opportunity to discuss compassion, … Read more
Relapse stories involving celebrities, athletes, musicians, and other public figures often attract headlines, but behind the publicity is an experience shared by many people living with substance use disorders. Recovery is rarely a perfectly straight path. A return to substance use can occur after months or even years of progress, especially when stress, cravings, untreated … Read more
Loss can change a person’s life in an instant. The death of a loved one, divorce, separation from children, loss of employment, declining health, damaged relationships, or even the loss of one’s sense of identity can create overwhelming emotional pain. For someone struggling with addiction, that pain can lead in two very different directions. It … Read more
Ozzy Osbourne became one of the most recognizable figures in heavy metal as the lead singer of Black Sabbath and later through his successful solo career. Behind the theatrical image of the “Prince of Darkness,” however, Osbourne openly described decades of emotional difficulties, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and periods when his behavior … Read more
Princess Diana was admired worldwide for her compassion and humanitarian work, but behind her public image, she experienced serious emotional struggles. She openly discussed bulimia nervosa, depression, self-harm, and low self-esteem, while biographical accounts also described suicide attempts during periods of severe distress. By speaking publicly about her experiences, Diana helped challenge the stigma surrounding … Read more
Marilyn Monroe remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, yet the glamorous public image associated with her was very different from the emotional difficulties documented during her life. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, Monroe experienced an unstable childhood that included foster homes and an orphanage while her mother struggled with serious mental health problems. … Read more
Herschel Walker became famous as a Heisman Trophy winner and professional football player, but behind his athletic success was a complex mental health journey. Walker has publicly shared that he was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and later discussed his experiences in his memoir, Breaking Free. His story highlights the importance of understanding dissociation, … Read more
Barbra Streisand is one of the most accomplished entertainers in modern history, yet extraordinary talent did not protect her from intense performance anxiety. Streisand has spoken openly about experiencing severe stage fright and a persistent fear of forgetting words while performing. Her experience demonstrates an important mental health lesson: confidence and competence in one part … Read more
Recovery from addiction involves much more than stopping alcohol or drug use. For many women, recovery also means confronting memories, damaged relationships, parenting concerns, financial consequences, lost opportunities, and decisions made while substance use was controlling their lives. As the mind becomes clearer, guilt about the past can become especially difficult to carry. Some guilt … Read more