Ashley Judd is shedding light on her mother Naomi Judd‘s passing and the hurdles she faced with mental illness, all in an effort to advocate for mental health treatment.
Addressing a panel discussion on the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Federal Action Plan Launch at the White House on April 23, Ashley shared the heartbreaking tale of her mother’s mental health struggles.
She underscored the years of untreated and undiagnosed mental illness her mother endured, describing it as a silent thief that robbed her of hope and clarity.
“I’m here because I am my beloved mother’s daughter, and on the day she died, which will be the two-year anniversary in one week, the disease of mental illness was lying to her and, with great terror, convinced her that it would never get better,” Ashley revealed.
Ashley also disclosed that despite Naomi’s remarkable achievements, she carried the weight of being a “survivor of childhood and adult male sexual violence.”
“She also lived most of her life with an untreated and undiagnosed mental illness that lied to her and stole from her, and it stole from our family, and she deserved better,” Ashley added.
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During the panel, Ashley also delved into her own battles with “childhood depression” and unresolved trauma, stressing the importance of seeking help.
“I had a different experience because I went to treatment in 2006 for unresolved childhood grief and sexual trauma, and I’ve been in good recovery for 18 years.”
“I’ve had a different outcome than my mother, and I carry a message of hope and recovery,” she stated.
Ashley Judd has been candid about her grieving process following her mother’s passing. Earlier this year, she shared her emotional journey on an episode of “All There Is with Anderson Cooper,” discussing how her mother’s death has impacted her life and how she continues to navigate the complexities of grief. Through her openness, Ashley contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding loss, healing, and the imperative of mental health awareness.
As the anniversary of her mother’s passing draws near, Ashley remains steadfast in her commitment to raising awareness and support for mental health programs, believing that with better resources, others won’t endure the same suffering her mother did.
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