Carrie Fisher's Sister Opens Up About Her Sister's Mental Health Struggles in Hopes to Reach Others

Joely Fisher is best known for her roles in films like The Mask, and Mixed Nuts, as well as long-running TV Series Ellen and ‘Til Death. She has been on tons of other movies and shows, but these days, her most important role is that of SAG-AFTRA Union Treasurer, where she is sharing her own story to help the people she is serving.

Joely Fisher is remembering her sister, Star Wars star Carrie Fisher, by telling her story of a life-long struggle with mental health, as well as Joely’s own daughter’s struggles, in the hopes of reaching her fellow actors who may be fighting the same battles in their own lives. SAG-AFTRA’s website has revealed some mental health resources, and in a new update by Fisher, she said:

“My brilliant sister Carrie Fisher, who would’ve celebrated her 67th birthday tomorrow, wore her mental illness like a crown and scepter. When she departed, I took up the mantle of supporting humans who otherwise felt alone. What I didn’t know then was that a similar challenge and diagnosis would soon strike one of my children. The struggle is real. Navigating this world is hard enough without the burden of imbalance in the brain. As a mother, I am heartbroken not to be able to silence her pain. The irony was not lost that I might be a maverick in the mental health ‘space’ and not be able to help my kid. My purpose in sharing these intimate details is that one key to starting a journey to mental wellness is having a willingness to speak about your experience, hopefully with trusted people in your life or with qualified professionals.”

If you or someone you know is looking for mental health help and resources, you can find some on the SAMHSA website.