Ashley Judd talks family, mental health after mother’s passing l GMA 

"Functioning shock" is such a great way to explain grief when you have to keep going for others. When my mom died I was doing great around everyone then when I went to bed alone I sat up and stared at the wall without blinking for 4 hours remembering my entire life with my wonderful mom. My eyes dried up so much that I couldn't even blink at the end of it. Grief is different for everyone, no right or wrong way to do it ❤

Wow. How poised, articulate, and loving Ashley is in this interview. So very touching. Thank you for sharing and encouraging all those who suffer from the disease. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

My heart goes out to the entire Judd family. It is so generous of them to speak openly about their grief, in order to help others. This is the first time I can recall hearing anybody discuss grieving the loss of a family member to mental illness in such an open and honest way. I am personally finding it incredibly helpful, as I am supporting a sibling who is living with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I hope that they continue to have the support they need as they continue to process this trauma.

I have the utmost respect for how the Judd family is handling their Mothers choice to end her suffering. I hope they all will find peace in their grief.

Wow this is horrible I can’t imagine what Ashley is going through not just losing her mother, but finding her. Prayers to the family

What a strong group of women, despite such horribly hard struggles with the disease of mental illness. My heart and love go out to the family. Ashley’s words are powerful and I believe will help to take away the stigma of mental health. 💜

Suicide grief is horrible. Different questions, survivors guilt.. my nephew did the same thing the same way in 10/2020. I'm still being treated for the PTSD from that trauma. My prayers to the family. Please reach out if you're contemplating. The pain does not go away. It's just passed on to the loved ones in your life.

I love seeing Diane humbled and gentle. My heart is saddened for the Judd’s. My prayer’s are with them.

Ashley spoke beautifully. Her pain and devastation can be felt. I’m thankful she was brave and spoke out, the topic of mental illness needs to be talked about, not hidden away in a dark corner. My heart is broken for Ashley, Wynona and Pop. I pray they somehow find healing. Naomi was such a beautiful, true lady… I’m so, so sorry she suffered. Rest In beautiful peace, feel only light now. 🙏🏻💜

This broke my heart..I loved the Judds. I am praying for them and anyone suffering.

My heart goes out to them and anyone who have lost someone to suicide.

This is so sad, I lost my momma to depression. It's not easy but you just take it day by day. She looks beautiful like her momma.

This is so sad bless her heart. Rest in Heavenly peace Naomi. No more pain I'm sending love hugs and prayers to the whole family. Thank you Ashley for trying to help others. It's a very powerful disease!!

More people need to share their experiences and perhaps personal struggles with mental health challenges. There is absolutely no shame in it and it helps so many others who are ashamed to know they are not freaks or alone. When it is buried deep it makes it so much worse. Ashley is an amazing example of this.

As a young person I highly criticized those who took their own life's, today as an adult I can't imagine the immense pain those suffering through this decease face. My heart goes out to them and their families

Ms. Ashley Jud is a extremely strong woman! It must have been hard to answer the questions regarding her mother! May she rest in peace!

Ashley, I’m so sorry. I wish you nothing but peace, love and healing.

Amazing encouragement provided by Ashley Judd in the face of enormous grief. Very well in the selection of her words and building a narrative of truth for the world and not the “economy of gossip” she spoke of. You have my prayers Judd family 🙏🏽❤️

Dearest Judd family I would like to take a moment from my day to extend to you my heartfelt sympathies to you. As a survivor of a serious mental breakdown after the birth of my child I do know what a huge hardship dealing with mental illness can place upon not only the individual who suffers from mental illness but the hardships other family members suffer as well. I pray that you will rise above your pain as the waves of grief will come and they will go. God Bless You.

My heart and soul was with these two girls. And to answer one of her questions she has sweetie there’s nothing you could’ve done any different. Please please don’t blame yourself in any way shape or form. Your mother knew that you both loved her and that she could count on you. With some cannot get past the hurt and trauma that we have dealt with in our lifetime. My prayers are with you both in your family🙏👍🏻❤️ try to hold onto all the good things funny things loving things and let the sadness go she would not want you as her babies to feel the sadness that she felt. No one can fix our hearts and things that we get into our head that we can’t get out of, all we can do is take her meds do a lot of praying and try to survive day by day. She was a fighter she thought it as long as she could. God bless you girls and your families in the fans out there that truly loved her❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ashley My heart goes out to you and I’m heart broken that you and your family had to endure a tv broadcast interview just to keep the narrative of your mothers passing in truth and light …what kind of world do we live in when people in grief have to rise above and do something like this 😢😢…I’m so very sorry …and I hope you read this and know that I wrote this at the very beginning of this interview and found it appalling you had to do this in the midst of your grief …please also know that your mother was well loved by many …she was courageous and she helped spread the awareness of a brain disease and that is going to one day be the catalyst of much needed change in our world today for people who suffer from depression ❤️🙏🙏

This interview helped me so much.Prayers for you and your family🤍☮️🌼🦋

Prayers for the whole family 🙏🏼😇

So sorry for Ashley and Wynonna. Loved Naomi Judd.

Loosing a Mama is like no other, it's been 8 mos for me. I developed depression caring for her and it kicked in even more after her death. I'll be OK in rhe long run, just miss my Mom so.

This was just so terribly difficult to watch. God bless and comfort the family in the days and weeks ahead. I pray people will do the right and decent thing by allowing this family to grieve in peace

Naomi, like so many, battled her mental illness for decades and unfortunately lost her life to it. I hope this opens up a larger conversation about the impact mental illness has on not only the individuals who are cursed with it, but how it effects their loved ones. As someone who is a mother who has bipolar disorder, this is my greatest fear. I never want my little girl to feel the weight of what I struggle with, but I also want it to be talked about in a healthy way so she can understand that it is many people’s reality. So that she may have empathy and understanding for other’s experiences, and to know that if she ever finds herself in that dark hole that is depression she is never alone.

God Bless you Ashley and Wynona . My heart goes with you so much . It hurts so very much my parents are gone dad had alzhimer wich i felt so sad my dad was in a band played piano and giitar he had a pretty voice .He was my Buddy .I was a daddys girl . Loved mom very much but i told her the Boys were momss Boys and i was daddys girl . She smiled i told her i love you very much to. His band was the Blue Jays in Minot North Dakota . He taught me alot i took 7 years of piano and play by ear . He showed me alot . Imiss them dearly .take each day at a time walk with God he Will help you . Prayers are for your family God Bless you your family is so precious to all the people.

So sorry for the grieving family 🙏🏼 May God comfort the whole family. Love from Mizoram, India 💐

My heart goes out to you ashley 💔 my husband took his life3 years ago when i was 6 months pregnant it's a hard journey i try my best to help my children it's so hard on us

I am so sorry for your loss, I lost 4 family members to depression and suicide, my prayers are with you all, if your able to try to find comfort knowing she's no longer suffering, I no its easier said than done 🙏❤

Thank you Ashley for sharing. My sincere condolences to you, Wynonna, Pop and the rest of the family and friends. Sending prayers to all of you during this difficult time. 🙏🏼 Even though we have lost an amazing, talented, beautiful soul, I feel we have gained a beautiful spirit. Thank you Naomi for all that you gave. We ❤️ U

I am so sorry for this wonderfully talented and loved family! Praying for God’s comfort for the Judd family’s loss.🙏

51 years of footwork. Been in and out of therapy since age 15. Ready for some legit miracles. My first book: “Lipstick & Thongs in the Loony Bin” is about going from my OWN suicide attempt and healing from Rock Bottom to Rock ON. It may help someone. Sending healing. I’ve by no means got it all figured out. But? I’m still here and always willing to be vocal & helpful. Have been very transparent about my own mental health journey, since 2006. It’s messy. It’s imperfect. But again…still here. 🙏🏼😘

Condolences to all who have lost a loved one.

It's so sad that this happened. I figured it out when they said she died from "mental illness". When they said if she "would have held on one more day" the wording confirmed it. She was a legend 🙌🏾😰 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 for her whole family

Prayers go out to the whole family.💔💔💔

Love Ashley. Always have. Hard to see her in so much pain but she is a voice that must be heard. ❤️💔❤️

Encouragement and support for everyone going through depression.

I experienced severe anxiety when I was 20 years of age. I learned the manifestations of emotional release and learned it's a journey to daily conquer the restimulations or triggers reflective of my core issue resulting in constant anxiety. I learned to connect with the underlying feelings and repetitively discharge them dynamically with discipline. Verbalizing is significant but, but it is the beginning of the journey. It's learning to repetitively connect with and surrender the underlying feelings repetitively by learning and practicing the manifestations of emotional discharge that one conquers depression and anxiety. I learned and practice the diciplines daily to succeed at functioning effectively in life. My sincere condolences to the Judd family because I fully empathize with the deep-seated pain of Naomi and now the grief of her family. Truly, sincerely, bless the soul of Naomi. Rest in Peace.

Ashley, I'm so sorry! I felt every word of your pain as well as your Mom's. I live it everyday...it's very diffcult. I understand the worthlessness, and not feeling loved aspect. I have C-PTSD, and the fight to keep going is something I know all to well, and I wish I didn't feel that. Thank you for being brave...thank you for being an advocate. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you, Wynonna, and Larry...Your "Pop." God Bless you all!!! ❤️

God bless her. I know what is is to lose a parent. And the way she found her, I can’t even imagine.

I have always liked Diane..I am glad she was the one here with Ashley..You can tell how sincerely she cares about Ashley . ..I know this pain personally. My own sister died in this exact way...

My husband battles with mental health and so do 2 of my children. My husband tells me from time to time he doesn't deserve to be around. We talk it out and love each other. I can't imagine him being gone. We struggle not only mentally but financially. I'm so sad for the family and Naomi was a special person. At least your family is not left in a financial crisis, so many families that have a loved one commit suicide can't mourn there loss properly because they are left with nothing and no home. Keep up the great work with helping others!

I am so so sorry for your loss...and u and family have handled this so respectfully...may the grace of God continue be with u and your family...

My prayers go out to your family. I pray you are all comforted and protected by Our Father during this difficult time.

I have lost a family member to suicide, and it is something that is extremely difficult to wrap your head around. Yet at the same time, I understand the mindset, as I too struggle with depression and anxiety. You feel like there is no other way to get through it and you just want the agony to stop! May Naomi rest in peace, and may her family find some comfort and peace in all the wonderful memories they have. 😔

Her mom would be so proud of her. ♥️🙏🙏♥️ prayers snd blessings to this family.♥️

For Ashley & Naomi 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

Thank you Ashley!! Excellent advice! God bless you and your family. Hugs.

I love Ashley Judd & her mom. from Canada

thanks Ashley, for talking to us! it’s healthy to talk about death, show emotions, don’t hide it or run from it .. when you kill your self it passes on deep pain onto others . but your mother must have loved you very much , for you to be the last person she saw before transitioning to non physical .

As someone who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, I know the difficulty of dealing with it on a daily basis. I know what pain I can cause to the people that are close to me when I get down. And nothing they can do or say can make me feel better. You can end up isolating yourself from the rest of humanity and it only exacerbates the issues. And I know what pain I can cause them if I let go and take my own life. I feel so sorry for the Judd family. Naomi was a special person. Kind hearted and beautiful. Depression, and mental illness can be just as devastating as cancer. May she forever rest in peace and my heart goes out to her amazing daughters.

Praying for your family.

My condolences 🙏 to the family and the struggle of trauma I understand all to well how momma Judd felt but I'm holding strong.

The song love can build a bridge is ringing in my head This to me can bring us all together. We're all here together commenting and sending our respects.

I honestly believe the beginning of sorrows occured for Miss Naomi Judd was the dreadful dark day she was violated and trespassed against by the hands of someone v closet and endearing that's always where it usually starts they shower you with gifts and money to keep quite or if that doesn't work they threatened you and your family if you should open up to authorities. This kinda trauma never ever goes away you're constantly reminded of what happened to you in the past Miss Judd's career was the greatest and most successful but unfortunately she wasn't strong enough to hold on and withstand until the ends sometimes things are just so sad and to hard to BEAR. I'm gonna miss seeing this precious beautiful soul she was really and truly a very gorgeous articulate WOMAN ❤️

Sorry for the loss. So sad the way her mom died.

I am so sorry.

Sadly, no matter how bad I have felt there was no one for me to turn to. Free mental health care should be available to all Americans. I moved to another country to alleviate some of the stress in my life.

I know that at times it was difficult to get help for my teen because the facility had too many patients,or didn't take my insurance or she had to be 18 to talk to a psychiatrist. This was a battle and I had to find someone fast I was able to find help but I had to drive a good ways to find help. Thankfully my teen is doing better.

I think everybody at one time in their life has experienced depression. Or you know somebody that deals with it on a day-to-day basis. My heart goes out to To Ashley and Wynona and pop and the rest of the family. Naomi was such a beautiful lady inside and out.

May God comfort you and your family.

My prayers are with with you and your family during this time 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️

There is a history of suicide in my family. I’m encouraged that mental illness isn’t as much of a stigma as it once was. It can be a dark and lonely path. There is light, if we can bring ourselves to look for it. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

So sorry for your family's loss

I'm so sorry about your Mom Ashley and Wynona. I always thought my Mom would be here forever. Then one day they are gone, and you never truly get over it, ever! No one should tell you how you should be doing, feeling, what your plans are next. We all grieve differently. You and your family are in my prayers

This is so hard for me to watch, as I too lost a family member to suicide. My sister took her life 3 1/2 years ago,..I wish I could give Ashely and Wynonna a hug. Not by choice, but we're part of the same club of sorts now. Naomi was such a beautiful woman,..I just hate that she couldn't find the peace to stay with us. My heart goes out to their family.

wow what a gift to the world. All these contributions that have formed our world

I feel so sorry for the two girls I know they're going through such hard pain but mental illness is hard it's very hard and I know she loved them girls so much no doubt about it she loved her girls so girls we love you we're going to miss her too and we're praying for you too and her husband rest in peace niomi

Much love to you and Wy, Ashley. 💜💜💜

So, so sad. 😢

Praying 🙏 for you All

Condolences to Ashley Judd and Wynona Judd. 🙏❤️🎤 many prayers and healing.

God Bless the Family...and how sad.

Thank you Ashley Judd for advocating for mental health resources!! My condolences

Thoughts and prayers to the family.

I wanted to take my life as well. I thought about all the regrets, mistakes, current problems, visible and not visible health problems, abuse, trauma and so much more. The weight of those thoughts felt unbearable. My mind was not able to process such hurt & pain. It felt like there was no way I could continue to live b/c the state I was in was so unbearable and the only relief would be to take my life. It is so hard to describe how pain that is not physical can feel so heavy, unbearable, and debilitating but it can. It was like there was no way I would be able to function and the level of pain and anguish was beyond measure. But God!!!!! I cried and screamed out "God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, I need you to help me. You are the same God you were thousands of years ago & I believe in you, I have faith in you. God Please help me b/c if not I cannot do it" "I won't be able to live!" That night I felt a peace that can only be explained by God and I have not thought about harming myself again. When I feel myself becoming overwhelmed, I call on Jesus Christ who strengthens me and I will continue to do so all the days of my life. For me, it is the only way I can continue. If you feel like there is no hope...there is. Please, I pray you open your hearts to Jesus Christ. Truly call on him and he will see you through! Matthew 11: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I would strongly urge people to seek grief specific support groups because grief is NOT a part of psych programs. It doesn't take much to undermine those in grief when someone has no grief specific training. There are a few greaf educators and therapist just there are a few trauma therapist. It is a disservice to yourself and other to not seek of specialists because their education is specific to the condition. Tear Soup is an excellent resource. Grief must be witnessed seek out people who have made grief support their life's work.

Talk about it. My brother and father took their own life! This needs to be a discussion. What it does to the family ....

Ashley you are amazing and so kind. I see how torn u are and just want you to know you are loved and I’m here if you ever need a trusting friend to talk too. I have been there and know what it’s like . Don’t hesitate to get in touch . Your loved so much

My heart goes out to her over her mom. I lost my dad through suicide before I was even born and I didn't found out until 2015 when a so called friend of my mom told me while I was out shopping that oh your dad killed himself and my mom should be ashamed of herself for not telling me. I remember coming home that day and told her to mention her side of the story saying my dad died in a car accident from massive heart attack,I then said no mom he killed himself didn't it and she broke down and said yes he did. Ever since that day my whole world turned upside down and my mental health really took its toll.

I am so so sorry. 🙏🏻

R.I.P Naomi Judd R.I.P 😭😭🥺. My heart really goes out to her family . To anyone suffering from Mental illness my heart goes out to you & remember you aren’t alone. Let’s start normalizing Therapy. It’s Ok To Not Be Okay. Suicide/Depression is a “ Silent Killer”. I battle with Clinical Depression/Anxiety an am a Sexual abuse survivor… I attempted suicide last year an just a few nights ago I was contemplating suicide again . But I realize God has me here for a purpose & a reason ‼️‼️

I lost the love of my life and 2 friends to suicide. It’s a loss like no other because you always wonder. I know I did all I could. Those “if onlys” and “what if I had done…” I’ve done Codependents Anonymous and it has helped me tremendously! I think everyone could benefit from it. I feel like those with trauma could benefit so much! It helped me more than therapy!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Wasn’t Dianne so sensitive and had such a peaceful persona to Ashley’s grief. So very sad.

I pray that all of you 2ill get through this very difficult time I know your mom is well now she is free from the disease she is no longer suffering I know this is hard for you just take care of each other and take care of pop your family is all you really have as for me I didn't have any need to know the manner in which your passed I just know she cured now and free and watching over you all she was a beautiful person I'm a fan who love's all of you I've been with you and following all of you in your careers I to struggle from depression not nearly as bad as you and your mom but I do have understanding and wish you all the best my condolences to you all she is loved and missed I pray she gets to keep her dignity I hope the media don't tear her apart you did a wonderful job with you interview with Diane Sawyer I hope that will be as far as it go's much love a fan

I’ve been getting treatment since I was a kid and I’m still no better than I was… some mental issues, just like some physical, can be treatment resistant. There is nothing wrong with you if you are naturally treatment resistant. If you are willingly resisting treatment please, you are worth it.

absolutely brilliant Ashley 👏 we would all do well to take on the steps as it would apply to our lives. Love be with you

So sad! Praying for the Judd family 🙏🌹

God Bless her and her sister and pop, Grief is real, we all deal with it at some point in life. It takes you through the pain and there is no limit, Time is your friend and don't ever think you can go through it alone. Talk to your family, your doctor, your best friend and then start your healing process and in time, the good memories will overide the empty feeling you feel in grief. Always remember this, life doesn't end here, it a pathway to the other side where you originally came from. You are walking your own chosen path here so life fully love long and share your beautiful personality to people. Grief is a pause in life, we move through it and try not to get stuck in it. God Bless you all and God Bless the Judd Family

So sad 😞

Why didn't someone get the gun out of the house?

So sorry,Ashley.My deepest sympathy to you,Wynonna,Larry,her grandchildren and the world of fans- of which I will always be one.♥️

My heart out to you, you're in my prayers hug's and kisses to you family

In 2000 my 39 year old brother committed suicide 💔 He was always funny and laughing, and it was really a shock. I wish we would have paid more attention.

I am a generation close to Naomi's and like her we learned to suffer silently..We just pushed back the painful memories for decades. This really opened my eyes to get help, that it doesn't just go away as we grow older

Diane Sawyer One of the few people you could comfortably talk to about this. I'm so glad she did this interview.

There was a side of me that was curious about how Naomi did it. The same curious side of me that wondered about the method that a friend of mines son used to take his own life. Knowing the method doesn't really provide satisfaction. It's still one of the biggest traumas and tragedies that a family can endure. So sad. I hope the families of those who have lost love ones can one day experience some kind of peace.