Delta Burke Talks About Her Depression
In a two-part interview aired on "The Insider" last Thursday and Friday, actress Delta Burke spoke candidly about her depression and her psychiatric hospitalization last month.
Speaking about her hospitalization, Burke said she needed "an adjustment under a physician's care" after the five medications she was taking no longer worked. She is now on two medications.
At times breaking into tears, she said one of her lowest moments came while she was starring in the hit series "Designing Women". "I was parked in the car in the hills with a gun and a bottle of Xanax beside me, trying to recover from harsh words said in the tabloids," she said. "I just wanted the pain to go away."
The actress also confessed that she struggles with hoarding. "At one time I had 27 storage units. I don't have a big enough house," she said. "My mom had it, it's my mother's fault. She saved the diaper I came home from the hospital in."
By coming forward, Burke said she hopes to remove the stigma of mental illness so that people will get the help they need.
Photo Credit: Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Comments
I admire Ms. Burke coming forward and publically stating that she struggles with mental illness.
That takes a lot of guts and courage.
Kudos Delta for having spirit!
It is because of people like Delta that people understand mental illness a little better. It also shows people that someone with mental illness can get treatment and go on to live normal productive lives. Thank you, Delta, and I wish you continued success in your treatment, your career, and your personal life.
I feel so proud for you Delta! It takes a lot to openly talk about your personal depression and we really need to get the word out that depression is not a 4 letter word and we can live happy and productive lives. The shame of depression has to be overcome. We are just as capable as anyone else. Thanks Delta. We have to keep the ball rolling!
Congratulations on your recovery and keep on talking, not only to your therapist but also to the public. The world needs folks who will stand up and be counted. I know it makes you vulnerable to those who can be cruelly critical and judgemental. It is their loss that they can not see the beautiful human being you are and the incredible personal growth taking place with you. Truth can be armour! Don it with pride. This will help you fend off the ignorant.
Thank you Delta, for your courage for making public, a private turmoil that many of us struggle with. I hope that through your openess to express pain, resolution, strength and bravery, other humans will see depression as a serious illness that can be treated, and should not be shamed. Continue tomorrow with another step, and I will be with you.
Thank you, dear Delta, for coming forward with your story. You are an inspiration to so many people who suffer from depression and hoarding. May the Lord bless your efforts.
Just want you to know that you are in my prayers. I have always admired your work, but have never admired you more than when you shared your story. I wish you all the happiness you deserve in life.
Delta, you are one strong, brave woman. Not to mention drop dead BEAUTIFUL. The prettiest person I have ever seen in my life. Good luck with everything.
It’s good when celebs come out and open up as real people. It’s proves they are real just like us! Depression is a horrible thing and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. And God bless Delta for finding a good path. It’s hard being a guinea pig and waiting to find a med that will work and STAY WORKING! Im in that boat. But now I have some hope. Thanks Delta
Delta you have shown immense courage in discussing your fight with depression, that yet again confirms what a great person you are. When I am down and feel depressed all I have to do is go to my DVR and play an episode of Designing Women where you have a some great lines and I immediately feel better. Always wishing you the best!