Christina Applegate was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in April 2021. Since then, her life has changed in many difficult ways. She now co-hosts a podcast called MeSsy with The Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who was diagnosed with MS in her twenties. Together, they talk about the real challenges that come with the disease, without hiding how painful and frustrating it can be.
Before MS, Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and has been dealing with the effects ever since. Even with these setbacks, she kept working. Her most recent role in Dead to Me earned her praise and award nominations.
Christina Applegate faced stigma due to her MS condition
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Alongside the physical effects of MS, Christina now deals with harsh and confusing reactions from people. In a recent podcast, she said many ask how she got the disease, as if she caused it. This type of comment, she explained, makes it seem like she did something wrong to deserve the diagnosis.
She also said people give her random advice that makes no medical sense. One person even told her that holy water could cure MS. These suggestions show how misunderstood the disease still is. Christina said she has gotten used to the judgment, but it was hard to handle at first. She made it clear that the disease is painful enough without dealing with blame or strange advice from others.
Christina has also spoken about how MS has changed her daily life. In a recent interview, she explained that she barely leaves the house any longer. She said some days are so hard that she can’t function. She also shared that she has been hospitalized over 30 times since her first diagnosis.
Even after receiving a standing ovation at the Emmy Awards earlier this year, Christina admitted that behind the scenes, things are far from easy. She said she feels angry about her condition and doesn’t try to pretend that things are fine. For now, she says she is isolating as a way to cope and hopes to find a better way to manage the illness in the future.