Diane Keaton’s death at 79 brings to light the incredible strength she demonstrated not only in her career but in her personal commitment to recovery. A crucial, and perhaps the most difficult, part of her life was the intensive therapy journey she undertook to overcome a debilitating eating disorder, a path that ultimately saved her life.
Her struggle with bulimia was severe, a full-blown addiction that led to 20,000-calorie binges and years of secrecy. The turning point came when the severity of her condition became apparent. “Somebody mentioned that I seemed to have some mental issues,” she recalled, “so I went to an analyst.” This humble admission was the first step on a long road.
Her commitment to healing was extraordinary. Keaton revealed that she attended therapy sessions five days a week. This rigorous schedule highlights the depth of her struggle and her fierce determination to get well. It was not a passive process but an active, daily fight for her own mind.
This journey inward was happening while she was also navigating a public life and managing her ongoing battle with skin cancer, which had been diagnosed at 21. The discipline required to juggle a thriving career, a chronic physical illness, and intensive psychotherapy is a testament to her immense fortitude.
This road to recovery was ultimately successful. It freed her from her addiction and paved the way for her to embrace motherhood in her 50s. Keaton’s story is a powerful endorsement of mental health treatment, showing that the hard work of therapy can lead to a future of profound joy and fulfillment.
