Billy Joel’s Struggles: The Dark Moments Behind His Affair and Near-Death Experience – What Drove Him to Despair?

Billy Joel recently opened up about a difficult time in his life that led to two suicide attempts. This revelation came during the premiere of his documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.

At the heart of this dark chapter was an affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his best friend and bandmate Jon Small. Joel was only in his early twenties and faced immense guilt for his actions. He stated, "I felt like a homewrecker." The fallout from this affair ended both the band Attila and their friendship.

During this troubling period, Joel spiraled into depression. He recounted a time when he had no stable home, sleeping in laundromats. He described his pain vividly, feeling as though every day was just as miserable as the last. In a moment of despair, he took sleeping pills given to him by his sister, which resulted in a coma that lasted several days. His sister was terrified, fearing she might have caused his death.

After awakening, he still felt hopeless. He attempted to take his life again, this time drinking a harmful substance. Jon Small, despite their broken friendship, came to his aid, saving him once more.

Joel reflected on how these experiences transformed him. He checked himself into a care facility, where he found a way to channel his emotions into music. This decision marked a significant turning point in his life. He realized he could use his struggles to create art. He stated, “You can utilize all those emotions to channel that stuff into music,” which became a powerful tool for healing.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Billy Joel’s story sheds light on the importance of mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, making it crucial to talk about these issues openly. Social media trends often highlight the struggles of mental health, with campaigns encouraging people to share their stories and support one another.

In today’s world, it’s vital to recognize that struggles with mental illness are common, and support is available. Mental health advocates stress the importance of seeking help and not suffering in silence.

Joel’s forthcoming documentary is expected to provide more insights into his life, illustrating both his triumphs and tribulations. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and a path to recovery.

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, reaching out for help can be life-changing. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988lifeline.org for support.

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Billy Joel,Elizabeth Weber,suicide attempts