Alexa Ray Joel Reveals Her 'Heartbreak-Related Depression'

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 4th 2010 09:55AM

Alexa Ray Joel rang in the new year by talking about the "depression" that contributed to her Dec. 5 hospitalization, in which she swallowed a handful of homeopathic pills. She posted notes on Facebook to thank her friends, fans and supporters, adding she wants "to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about: Heartbreak-Related Depression. Although it does not get much attention in our society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets 'swept under the carpet.' I hope to bring this topic to light."

"I just wanted to thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love and support," she wrote. "It's certainly been a whirlwind of a month, but reading all of your encouraging posts has never failed to cheer me up!" she explained on Facebook.

At the time of her early December incident, Joel had been dealing with the end of a long-term relationship with former bandmate Jimmy Riot. She swallowed a handful of pills, which weren't capable of killing her but called 911 to get checked out by doctors. The 24-year-old musician, who is the daughter of music legend Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley, told the dispatcher that she was having trouble breathing and was then taken to St. Vincent's hospital in Manhattan.

Joel, a graduate of NYU, said she is extending her education to further examine her depression. "I'm even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and many other afflictions that many of us have had to face," she said. "After all, there's nothing more fascinating than the human mind and it's respective conditions."

She also took time to clear up rumors about her parents' involvement with her hospitalization. "P.S. Do NOT believe what you read in the press! My mom and dad are my role models and best friends. What I was struggling with had nothing to do with them. The press was particularly harsh on my mother, which is unthinkable to me, because she is the kindest woman I've ever known and wouldn't hurt a fly."

Tags: Alexa Ray Joel, AlexaRayJoel, billy joel, BillyJoel, christie brinkley, ChristieBrinkley

Comments

(7)

Monday 04 January

By chris

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i hope all goes well for Alexa. unfortunately she must have other issues to bring her to this state of depression after a breakup. many many females, including myself have had guys break up with us and have not resorted to taking pills or doing anything else after a break up. i hope she gets the help she needs and moves forward and remember, there is no one worth it to cause you to attempt suicide. you are your most valuable asset. peace.

By r

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you dont get depression from a breakup, all these huge celebrities ive never heard of

By usermn3156

Time to grow up, Alexa. Life isn't easy. You don't try to kill yourself everytime something doesn't go your way.

By JBaer

First we had "major depression." Then they discovered "chronic depression," "atypical depression," "postpartum depression," "bipolar depression," "seasonal depression," and "psychotic depression. Look for the DSM-V to contain an entry for "heartbreak-related depression," credited to Ms. Joel, as if heartbreak never caused depression before. What kind of idiots report the news these days?

I'm glad Ms. Joel survived the pill overdose and hope she never resorts to such measures again.

By michelle

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God Bless you Alexa
I'm glad your okay and called for help

By holly

She has probably had everything she ever wanted handed to her and then some. I'm sure she finds life difficult when she can't get what she wants and mommy and daddy can't do anything about it.
Parents with wealth and power have no idea what they're doing when they silver spoon their kids... to death.

By See a Shrink

Gosh, I'm going thru a divorce myself currently and suffer from depression that I recognize and control on my own. Obviously there is something wrong with anyone who DOESN'T have depression, sexual addictions and so forth. Maybe get some perspective.

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