Paris Jackson, daughter of the late music legend Michael Jackson, has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health, addiction, and personal challenges. In an in-depth interview, she reflected on how her father’s passing in 2009 changed the course of her life and shaped the struggles she has faced since. At only 18, she offered a candid glimpse into both her pain and her ongoing journey toward healing.

Paris explained that losing her father at such a young age left her with a sense of emptiness that time did not fully repair. She described how grief became a constant presence, one that deeply influenced her outlook. While many told her that “time heals,” she felt instead that she simply learned to live with the loss rather than overcome it. Her father’s death, she said, was the single greatest turning point in her life.

The grief soon grew into depression, and Paris admitted that she engaged in self-destructive behaviors during her teenage years. A well-publicized incident in 2013, when she was hospitalized after harming herself, was not an isolated struggle. She acknowledged that she faced multiple moments of despair in her adolescence, compounded by substance use and the immense pressures that came with her name and public identity.

In sharing her story, Paris also revealed that she endured a traumatic experience as a young teenager that added to her feelings of isolation. Although she kept it private for many years, the impact on her mental health was profound. Speaking about it now, she hopes to shed light on how hidden pain can shape a person’s behavior and emotional well-being.

Despite these hardships, Paris emphasized that her journey is also one of survival and resilience. She credited her ability to keep going to her father’s enduring influence and her own determination to rebuild her life. With time, she found healthier outlets for coping and began pursuing creative projects, music, and modeling as ways of expressing herself and regaining confidence.

By speaking openly, Paris Jackson has helped spark wider conversations about grief, trauma, and mental health in young people. Her story is a reminder that behind fame and appearances, many carry unseen burdens. At the same time, her willingness to confront the past demonstrates that recovery and hope remain possible, even after years of struggle.