Selma Blair has not had an easy ride over the past few years, and she’s truly had to suffer with more than what many others will have to deal with in their lifetime.
Blair, 50, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2018, but not before being plagued for years with the physical and mental anguish brought on by symptoms of a condition she didn’t even know she had.
According to the actress herself, she suffered to such an extent that she “attempted suicide” more than once as doctors strove to get to the bottom of her health issues.
Selma Blair’s mental health struggles
The Brown’s Requiem star opened up in an interview with British Vogue earlier this year, stating: “As an adult, the lassitude and anxiety (from her MS) became terrifying, actually.
“I made mistakes. Wished myself dead. Attempted suicide. A few times. Out of desperation.”
Blair, who shares an 11-year-old son, Arthur, with her ex-boyfriend, Jason Bleick, told how she had suffered with horrible pain during the years where she struggled to get any sort of answer.
MS attacks a sufferer’s immune system and causes nerve damage to the brain and spine, and the 50-year-old spoke candidly on how life on various film sets was so painful that she turned to tranquilizers and alcohol for relief.
Blair said: “Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics. I took benzos and Klonopin (used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders.)
“I didn’t abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine.”
Surprising announcement
During a recent interview with Today, Blair opened up about the current state of her health, telling the outlet: “I’m doing so much better, so much better. I still have symptoms and dystonia [involuntary muscle contractions] and things that people might read as a little more extreme. It’s just kind of a part of who I am, but my spirit is really good, and life has been great.”
The actress – who revealed that she is now in remission from the illness – then added: “We’re taught you don’t look capable if you’re carrying around a chronic disease.
As a result, Blair has decided to make a commitment to helping others dealing with chronic illness, teaming up with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi to create an adaptive clothing line. The clothing has inclusive features like elastic and magnets instead of buttons, which makes wearing clothing easier for people with disabilities.
“There aren’t a lot of allies in the disabled community that are lucky enough to be on the platform that I have to bring things out,” Blair said, adding: “I’ve really changed a lot of my own perceptions of disability and [now realize] what heroes so many people in the disabled community are.”
Selma Blair is such an icon and someone to look up to, especially when it comes to how dedicated she is to helping others.
Though, she’s not the only one affected by MS. In fact, Christina Applegate has also been open about her struggles with the disease.
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