Selma Blair tried suicide ‘a few times’ while battling undiagnosed multiple sclerosis
Years before her multiple sclerosis was diagnosed, Selma Blair says the symptoms were so severe she tried to take her life “a few times” out of “desperation”.
Selma Blair tried to take her life “a few times” while battling symptoms of her undiagnosed multiple sclerosis.
The ‘Cruel Intentions’ actress, 50, spent years living with the physical and mental results of the incurable disease before she was finally diagnosed with it in August 2018, and said she got so desperate before doctors worked out what was wrong with her she tried suicide.
Mum-of-one Selma, who has son Arthur, 11, with her fashion designer ex Jason Bleick, 49, revealed in a cover interview for May’s British Vogue magazine: “As an adult, the lassitude and anxiety (from her MS) became terrifying, actually.
“I made mistakes. Wished myself dead. Attempted suicide. A few times. Out of desperation.”
Selma also opened up about how life on film sets was so painful while living with her undiagnosed illness – which attacks the immune system and causes nerve damage to the brain and spine – she would numb her pain and anxiety with tranquilisers and alcohol.
She said: “Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics. I took benzos and Klonopin (used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders.)
“I didn’t abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine.”
Selma told about one of her suicide attempts in her 2022 autobiography ‘Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up’.
She said it came after a painful break up from her physical education horse trainer, Todd.
Selma sneaked into his closet as he slept and swallowed a bottle of Tylenol with tequila, but changed her mind about wanting to die and woke up Todd and told him what she’d taken.
Her recovery was brutal as her mum told her she was dead to her due to her suicide attempt.
Selma told Elle magazine about her late mother’s reaction: “It’s the worst thing she did to me. I know I broke her trust.
“I had tried to kill myself – even if it was only for 10 minutes. As outlandish and critical as she was, she would never get over one of us dying, especially by our own hand.
“I was dead to her for two years – either as punishment or perhaps she was bracing herself for the next time.”
The May 2023 issue of British Vogue is on newsstands from 25 April.
