Larry Strickland shed new light on his late wife Naomi Judd’s final months before she died by suicide in April, a day before her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
As she reflected on her late wife’s death, the 76-year-old gospel singer, who was married to Judd for 33 years, said she saw “several therapists” and that “her energy levels had gotten really low.”
“It’s been a very chaotic, hectic, hectic time,” the My Kitchen Rules star told People. “It was extremely tough.”
Tragic: Larry Strickland shed new light on his late wife Naomi Judd’s final months before she died by suicide in April, a day before her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
He continued, “She got really weak.”
Judd, who was 76 at the time of her death, previously said “no one can” understand anxiety and major depression “unless” they were there.
“Think about the worst day of your life – someone died, you lost your job, you found out you were cheated, your child has a rare disease – you can take all of that at once and put it together and that’s how it feels Depression on,” the singer told People in 2016.
Silent struggle: While reflecting on the death of his late spouse, the 76-year-old gospel singer, who was married to Judd for 32 years, said she saw “several therapists” and that “her energy levels had gotten really low.”
“It’s been a very chaotic, hectic, hectic time,” the My Kitchen Rules star told People. “It was extremely hard”
Looking back, Strickland wished he’d “been a lot gentler with her” if he’d known she was struggling.
“I would have been gentler and more understanding instead of being tired and exhausted because it exhausted me too,” he said. ‘Knowing now that she’s thinking [suicide]I look back and just wish I had held her and comforted her instead of pushing her.’
Strickland continued, “I don’t know if that would have helped, but it certainly wouldn’t have hurt.”
Isolating: Judd, who was 76 at the time of her death, previously said “no one can” understand anxiety and major depression “unless” they were there; seen in 2017
“Think about the worst day of your life – someone died, you lost your job, you found out you were cheated, your child has a rare disease – you can take all of that at once and put it together and that’s how it feels Depression on,” the singer told People in 2016
He recalled focusing on “making her eat,” exercising, and managing her medication.
“I tried everything I could,” he said, even if it was at the expense of his own health.
“I’ve been with her 24/7 for the past 13 years or more,” Strickland said. “I’ve never left the house without Naomi knowing where I’m going and when I’ll be back. As for taking care of myself, I’m not sure if that fits my situation. If you have a partner who has a mental illness, walk this path with them.
Breaking the Stigma: Since the tragic death of his wife, he has worked with the National Association of Mental Illness; seen in 2016
He has worked with the National Association of Mental Illness since the tragic death of his wife.
He told readers: “I was consumed by what happened and I want to do whatever I can to help ease any kind of pain or suffering for others. I’m willing to do whatever I can to hopefully help anyone who isn’t going through what our family is going through.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or going to 988lifeline.org to be connected to a certified crisis counselor .