In a daring proclamation on her podcast, the actress boldly challenged anyone facing the diagnosis of MS or any relentless chronic illness that strips away one's former self to proclaim, "This is a blissful state." After Christina Applegate courageously opened up about her battle with depression stemming from her multiple sclerosis, sharing, "I find no joy in life's dance," she now addresses the subsequent concerns with renewed vigor.
In a heartfelt episode of her 'MeSsy' podcast earlier this month, Applegate confessed to co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler that she was "swimming in a sea of depression, drowning beneath its waves." She continued, "A depression so profound, it crushes the soul — one that even terrifies me a little, as it feels so final, so much like the 'end.'" She added, "I don't wish to sound hopeless, but I'm engulfed in this darkness, a darkness I haven't known for decades. The simple pleasures of life no longer bring me joy; nothing offers solace."
Yet, in a rejuvenating episode released on Tuesday, the actress shed a new light on her previous words. As the episode unfolded, Applegate joyfully told Sigler, "Ask me how I'm doing, Jamie. Oh, my goodness, I'm doing remarkably well. Isn't that the song we all long to hear? I'm fine. Does that ease some of the weight on your shoulders? I'm fine." She later explained, "I was sharing the heavy thoughts and feelings that had been weighing me down. This is our sanctuary, a place to let go, as I believe holding on only amplifies their power."
She emphasized the stigma surrounding mental health issues, saying, "There's a deep-seated shame associated with it. It's not a weakness or a problem; it's merely a fleeting moment, a fleeting thought, a fleeting emotion. But when people hide their true feelings, fearing judgment, we empower it with undue significance." Applegate reiterated her disdain for society's expectation of always appearing "perfectly polished." She asserted, "I believe it's profoundly therapeutic and vital to voice our thoughts, regardless of whether it makes others uneasy. Authenticity is the key that unlocks understanding."
Following her initial confession, Applegate shared that she received concerned texts from people, bewildered by the reaction and "distressed" by the "clickbait" her words had generated. She emphasized, "By sensationalizing it, you deter others from sharing their struggles. That's unacceptable to me. It's imperative to speak our minds freely. And, no, I'm not on suicide watch. I never have been."
With a defiant challenge, she concluded, "I dare anyone diagnosed with MS or any chronic illness that strips away your identity to proclaim, 'This is a wondrous journey.' You know it's not. There are moments when you feel depleted and want to surrender. But you persevere, and with friends like you and my incredible support system, by voicing these struggles, we deflate the pressure within and find strength in our shared vulnerability." Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021, though in an interview with ABC News, she revealed that she likely had the chronic central nervous system disease for several years prior. She recalled, "I probably had it for six or seven years. I noticed, particularly during the first season of 'Dead to Me,' my leg would give way during shoots. I dismissed it as fatigue, dehydration, or the weather. But when the symptoms intensified, I had to pay heed." On their podcast, Applegate and Sigler, who was diagnosed with MS in 2001, share insights on navigating the disease and other topics, offering a beacon of hope and understanding to those facing similar challenges.
