Recovering Alexa Ray Joel Talks About "Heartbreak-Related Depression"
Twitchell
In the new year, Alexa Ray Joel plans to speak up about the "heartbreak-related
depression" that contributed to her scary Dec. 5 incident -- in which she was
rushed to Manhattan's St. Vincent's Hospital after swallowing a handful of
homeopathic pills. (The pills weren't capable of killing her, but a panicked
Joel called 911 to get checked out by doctors.)
The recovering 24 year-old musician posted a note on Facebook on New Year's Eve
to gratefully acknowledge her friends, fans and supporters. "I just wanted to
thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love and support," wrote Joel,
the daughter of music legend Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley. "It's
certainly been a whirlwind of a month, but reading all of your encouraging posts
has never failed to cheer me up!"
Noting "many new exciting developments" for 2010, Joel mentions "creative
projects" plus volunteer work, including a new pet cause. The rock progeny says
she wants "to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about:
Heartbreak-Related Depression. Although it does not get much attention in our
society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets 'swept under
the carpet.' I hope to bring this topic more to light"
At the time of her early December incident, Joel had been dealing with the end
of a long-term relationship with former bandmate Jimmy Riot. Joel, a graduate of
NYU, says she is extending her education to further examine her depression. "I'm
even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and
many other afflictions that many of us have had to face," she says. "After all,
there's nothing more fascinating than the human mind and it's respective
conditions."
In the Facebook note, the young woman also thanks her mother for a recent
birthday celebration (she turned 24 on Dec. 29): " Just want to send a quick
shout-out to my beautiful Mother and all of her friends for the lovely "Birthday
Tribute"... I was very moved by that, so thank you!!!!"