Naomi Judd revealed she suffered from a “completely debilitating and life-threatening” depression during an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts Tuesday.
In her new book, River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope, the country singer opens up about dealing with anxiety and panic attacks in addition to her depression and time in a psych ward. Judd told Roberts that hiding her struggles affected her perception with fans.
“They think, because they see me in rhinestones, you know, with glitter in my hair, that really is who I am. I’m sort of a fantasy ‘cause I want to provide that for them,” the 70-year-old said. “But then I would come home and not leave the house for three weeks and not get outta my pajamas, not practice normal hygiene. It was really bad.”
The country singer, who is the mother of actress Ashley, said the two are more alike than ever.
“I mean, we have the same mannerisms,” Judd said. “We both read a whole lot. We both love new places. She does acro-yoga. I do Pilates. I mean, there’s such similarities.”
She also got candid with Roberts about her relationship with her other daughter, Wynonna, and admitted the two are “a little estranged from each other.”
“If she sees this, and I hope she does, because the smartest thing is for all of us to feel known, no matter what’s going on. Be truthful,” Judd said. “I think she’ll say, ‘Good for you, Mom, for finally being willing to talk about the bad stuff.’”
Though she once kept her “extreme” issues with mental health in the dark, Judd said she has a special reason for coming forward with her revelations now.
“Because it was so deep and so completely debilitating and life-threatening and because I have processed and worked so hard for these last four years,” the singer said. “If I live through this, I want someone to be able to see that they can survive.”
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