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Sarah Hyland opens up about suicidal thoughts
With the sudden death of her young cousin and an unexpected second kidney transplant, it’s been a difficult year for Sarah Hyland.
Sarah has opened up about how two years ago, she went into rejection of the kidney transplant she received from her dad.
“When a family member gives you a second chance at life and it fails, it almost feels like it’s your fault,” Sarah said in a new video for Self magazine.
She had to undergo dialysis until she was able to find another donor — which, this time, turned out to be her younger brother Ian.
Although the transplant went well, and Sarah’s health is stable (“my numbers are good”), she’s still reeling from the depression that her chronic illness fuelled — depression which ultimately led to suicidal thoughts.
“At that time I was very depressed,” she said, through tears.
“For a long time I was contemplating suicide. I had gone through 26 years of always being a burden. Of always having to be looked after, having to be cared for, ’cause I’ve always had health issues, and it’s a really helpless feeling. Things like this can be really hard on a person.”
But the 28-year-old Modern Family actress says she’s just getting started.
“It was the worst and best year of my life,” Sarah said. “It started out horrific, but it ended with a beautiful beginning — of not just a new chapter, but a new book.”
A post shared by Sarah Hyland (@sarahhyland) on Oct 12, 2018 at 4:39pm PDT
Other celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham, and Lady Gaga have all opened up about the mental health struggles they’ve faced as a result of chronic health conditions.
The last of whom penned a powerful piece in the Guardian calling for change.
“Suicide is the most extreme and visible symptom of the larger mental health emergency we are so far failing to adequately address,” Lady Gaga wrote.
“Stigma, fear and lack of understanding compound the suffering of those affected and prevent the bold action that is so desperately needed and so long overdue.”
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
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