In a raw and deeply personal revelation, Hollywood actress Denise Richards has bravely detailed her family's ongoing private battle with her teenage daughter's severe mental health crisis.
The former Bond girl, 53, was visibly emotional during the candid discussion, her voice frequently breaking as she described the 'heartbreaking' reality of watching her 20-year-old daughter, Sami Sheen, struggle.
A Mother's Agony
'It has been absolutely devastating,' Richards confessed, her composure faltering. 'As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child from any pain, and when you cannot fix it, the feeling of helplessness is overwhelming.'
The actress shares Sami with her ex-husband, actor Charlie Sheen. She revealed that her daughter's condition became so severe that the family made the difficult decision to seek intensive, professional help away from home.
The Difficult Decision for Treatment
'We reached a point where we had exhausted all our options,' Richards explained, emphasising that the choice was made out of pure love and desperation. 'It was the hardest decision we have ever had to make, but we knew she needed specialised care that we simply couldn't provide ourselves.'
While respecting her daughter's privacy, Richards did not disclose the specific nature of the diagnosis but stressed the critical importance of removing the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, particularly for young people.
Breaking the Stigma
'This is a health issue, period. We talk openly about physical ailments, but mental health is still whispered about,' she stated firmly. 'I want other parents and young adults to know they are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.'
Richards' powerful interview is being hailed as a significant moment for mental health advocacy, using her platform to shed light on a crisis affecting countless families across the UK and beyond, proving that fame and fortune offer no immunity from personal tragedy.
