Ashley Judd’s Heartfelt Address at White House Promotes Suicide Prevention Strategy

At the White House on Tuesday, Ashley Judd utilized her platform to support the Biden Administration’s recently established National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and shared her personal experiences with mental illness. Ashley’s mother, renowned singer Naomi Judd, tragically ended her life by suicide on April 30, 2022. Ashley spoke emotionally at the event, reflecting on her mother’s struggles with mental health and depression, recalling her mother’s final days. She emphasized, “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 went on to share her own experiences with childhood trauma and resulting depression, emphasizing that she sought treatment and with professional help and care, was able to manage her condition. “I’ve been in good recovery for 18 years and I’ve had a different outcome than my mother,” Ashley said. “I carry a message of hope and recovery.” Ashley shared images from the White House event on social media, promoting the Biden Administration’s efforts to combat the mental health crisis. Naomi’s death deeply affected Ashley, who discovered her mother and had to inform her stepfather, Larry Strickland, of the tragic news. “It was a mixed day,” Ashley recalled. “I visit with my mom and pop every day when I’m home in Tennessee, so I was at the house visiting as I am every day. Mom said to me, ‘Will you stay with me?’ and I said, ‘Of course I will.’…I went upstairs to let her know that her good friend was there and I discovered her. I have both grief and trauma from discovering her.” Ashley expressed her desire to raise awareness about mental illness and its impact. “When we’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important to be clear and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease,” she said. “It’s very real, and it lies, it’s savage.” Wynonna Judd, Ashley’s sister, also spoke of their shared experiences. “I’m going to use my time to talk to anyone out there who is struggling,” Wynonna told ET on the carpet, ahead of her performance. “It’s an opportunity to help somebody.” The Judd family’s experiences highlight the profound impact of mental illness and the importance of seeking help and support.

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