Christina Applegate Facing ‘Real Depression, Doesn’t ‘Enjoy Living’ Amid MS Battle

During her last episode Messy podcast, which she co-hosts with a friend Jamie Lynn SiglerApplegate said she is in the depths of a “real depression,” unlike anything she has experienced in years.

“I’m in a depression right now, and I don’t think I’ve felt that in years,” he said. dead to me The actress shared. “Like real depression, fuck it, which scares me a little bit because it feels really fatalistic. I’m stuck in this darkness right now where I haven’t felt like… I don’t even know how long, probably like 20 years.” “.

With the toll MS has taken on her body, Applegate said life has not been pleasant for her.

“This is being really honest… I don’t enjoy life. I don’t enjoy it. I don’t enjoy things anymore,” he said.

Sigler, who also suffers from MS and has been battling the disease for more than 20 years, told Applegate that he understands her frustrations and urged her not to give up.

“It is very difficult to live in a disabled body. It is very difficult. I will not take it away from you and I am there with you,” Sigler said.

She continued: “But what makes it harder is when you compare it to how it used to be… Once we get to this place where we accept that this is how it will be, maybe forever…[coping with MS] It’s not a good enough reason for you to stop living because I sit here in front of you and you still make me laugh like no one else can. You still make me smile. “You make me feel loved.”

While Applegate noted that she has been reluctant to seek therapy since learning of her diagnosis, after taking on some of those intense emotions on her own, she got back in touch with her longtime therapist.

“I’ve avoided therapy since I was diagnosed because I’m so afraid of starting to cry and not being able to stop crying,” Applegate said. “I’m really afraid those floodgates will open and I won’t be able to stop.”

Sigler urged her to open up and let it all out, saying, “I feel like you owe it to yourself to cry and really go there… You have to allow yourself to feel those things. You can do it.” Don’t keep pushing him away, otherwise you will be where you are now. You’re like in purgatory, you know?

Applegate has shared a similar sentiment When talking about how the illness affects her parenting skills, she told Sigler in a previous episode: “I’ve often thought that it would be easier for everyone if I wasn’t here, you know? That’s a thought. Like, No?” Would it be much easier and wouldn’t it be a burden on my daughter who was on vacation and watching her mother sleep all day?

She continued to feel guilty about not being able to present with her 13-year-old daughter, Sadie, and me about not being able to go to the Barbie movie with her and stuff because I can’t sit down and watch a movie because my legs hurt. too much. Just things like that. I think, ‘What is this doing to her?’ And that’s where my heart constantly breaks. “

The actress said she hoped listeners could relate to her story, whether they suffer from MS or not.

“It’s hard not to be and I think anyone who hears this, who has this, I hope everyone feels like we do and knows that they’re not alone and feeling those feelings of despair,” Applegate said before thanking Sigler, who was also diagnosed with the disease, for helping her see the “positive side” of things in the midst of this devastating battle.

“You have to let yourself feel everything,” Sigler responded.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.