Audra McDonald Reveals Past Suicide Attempt and Hospitalization

Broadway legend Audra McDonald has shared a deeply personal story. She disclosed a suicide attempt from her youth. The event occurred while she was a student at The Juilliard School.

McDonald detailed this difficult period during a recent mental health advocacy speech. Her account was confirmed by People magazine. This revelation sheds light on the intense pressures faced by young performers.

The Darkest Time at Juilliard

McDonald was just 20 years old at the time. She felt a profound disconnect between her artistic dreams and her training. The pressure to conform to a specific vocal path was immense.

She described feeling completely lost. Her own mind began to feel like an enemy. This internal struggle escalated to a critical point one night.

The acclaimed actress slit her wrist. She then called the school’s Student Affairs director for help. McDonald credits this director with saving her life that night.

A Path to Healing and Grace

Following the attempt, McDonald was admitted to Gracie Square Hospital. She spent one month at the psychiatric facility. She has stated that medication was crucial for her safety and recovery during this period.

She now reflects on the hospital’s name with a sense of irony and grace. It took extensive therapy to reach this perspective. McDonald emphasizes that grace was available long before she knew how to accept it.

Her story highlights the importance of professional mental health support. It also underscores the long journey toward self-compassion. McDonald’s healing process was gradual but transformative.

Audra McDonald’s decision to speak publicly provides a powerful message about survival and recovery. Her story adds to a vital conversation about mental health in the arts. It demonstrates that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Audra McDonald say about her suicide attempt?

She revealed she slit her wrist while a student at Juilliard. McDonald stated she felt lost and disconnected from her dreams. She immediately called for help after the act.

Where was Audra McDonald hospitalized?

She was admitted to Gracie Square Hospital in New York. Her stay lasted for one month. McDonald described this period as the darkest, yet beginning, of her healing.

How does Audra McDonald view that time now?

She sees it with a sense of grace and understanding. McDonald acknowledges she needed medication and professional support. She now views that difficult chapter as part of her journey to health.

Why is she sharing this story now?

McDonald spoke at a Hope for Depression Research Foundation event. Her goal is to reduce stigma around mental health crises. She wants to emphasize that help is available and effective.