Christina Applegate's Heartbreaking Revelation: How MS Affects Her and Daughter Sadie
Christina Applegate's Devastating Battle with MS Takes a Toll on Her Teenage Daughter
In a heart-wrenching revelation, actress Christina Applegate has opened up about the emotional impact of her multiple sclerosis diagnosis on her 14-year-old daughter Sadie. The 53-year-old star, who was diagnosed with the degenerative illness in 2021, shared her struggles with MS and its effects on her family on her podcast, MeSsy.
Applegate revealed that her daughter had initially been stoic about her mother's condition but has now started to show signs of emotional distress. "In my situation, Sadie only knew me as healthy, a runner, a Pelotoner, and a dancer," Applegate explained. "So when this came about in 2021, she was like, 'I'm fine.' But now I see her look at me when I'm in bed and can't quite move, or I want to go say goodnight to her in her room, but I can barely get down the hallway."
Applegate confessed that it's "broken" her daughter, who has had to adjust to seeing her mother struggle with everyday tasks. "She didn't know this," Applegate said. "It was like losing the mom she had to this f**king thing." The actress also revealed that Sadie has expressed concerns about her own health, having been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) last year.
But despite the challenges they're facing, Applegate is proud of her daughter's resilience and kindness. When out in public, Sadie is often seen helping her mother, who struggles with anxiety and mobility issues due to MS. "She knows I'm having a hard time because I have such anxiety about being out," Applegate said. "And she's always got my arm, trying to help me through."
Applegate's candid conversation on MeSsy comes as no surprise, given her previous openness about her health struggles. Last year, the actress revealed that she was writing a memoir, which will be published by Little, Brown and Company in March 2024. In an earlier interview with Kelly Ripa, Applegate confessed that she gets "up in the morning" for Sadie's sake, adding that her daughter is "the reason I'm still here and trying."
But it's not just Applegate who's been struggling to cope with the emotional toll of MS. Her podcast co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who was diagnosed with MS at 20, shared a heart-wrenching story about her son Beau, who recently broke down in tears after watching his mother suffer from the illness.
"I watched Forrest Gump with him," Sigler explained. "And when it ended, he just buried his head in my chest and started sobbing." The actress said she was taken aback by her son's reaction, realizing that she had underestimated the impact of MS on her own family.
Sigler confessed that she had previously thought she'd set a good example for Beau to be open about their conversations. "I prided myself on having an open relationship with him," Sigler said. "But I guess I took for granted that he's only known me with MS, so he's just kind of accepted that this is my life."
The candid conversations between Applegate and Sigler offer a glimpse into the complexities of living with multiple sclerosis and its effects on loved ones. As Applegate navigates her health challenges, she remains resolute in her determination to make the most of the time she has left.
"I don't enjoy living," Applegate revealed on her podcast earlier this year. "I don't enjoy it. I don't enjoy things anymore."
The actress clarified that her statement was not a cry for help but rather a reflection of her emotional turmoil. She acknowledged harboring "dark thoughts" and emphasized the importance of speaking openly about mental health.
Applegate's unapologetic approach to discussing her MS diagnosis has sparked conversations about the need for greater awareness and understanding around the condition. As she continues to navigate her health journey, Applegate remains a beacon of hope for those affected by multiple sclerosis.
In related news, Christina Applegate recently made headlines when she revealed that she and Sadie "got into a big thing" after her daughter expressed her desire to have back the mother she knew before her MS diagnosis. Applegate confessed that it was like "a knife to heart" but acknowledged that her daughter's sentiment is a reminder of the emotional toll MS takes on families.
As Applegate continues to share her experiences with MS, she remains committed to raising awareness about the condition and its impact on loved ones. With her memoir set for publication next year, fans can expect an unflinching look at her health journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.