Daughter of NYC Mayor-Elect Reveals Depression, Substance Abuse
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Mario Tama/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The daughter of New York City Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio has suffered from depression and substance abuse, Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane, said in a letter to supporters Tuesday.
“As parents, our instinct has been to protect our daughter and privately help her through a deeply personal struggle,” Bill and Chirlane de Blasio said, noting that Chiara wanted to share her story in hopes of helping others.
In an accompanying video, Chiara de Blasio, who was featured in many of her father’s campaign ads during his mayoral run this year, said, “I’ve had depression clinical depression for my entire adolescence.”
She adds, “Removing substances from my life…it’s opened so many doors for me.”
“Her courage to speak out demonstrates a wisdom and maturity far beyond her 19 years,” Bill and Chirlane de Blasio wrote in the letter, “and we are grateful every day for her commitment to lifting up those who need to know that they are not alone.”
“We are so proud of Chiara and love her deeply,” their note concludes.
Separately, Bill de Blasio is dealing with a tabloid revelation that his transition team’s press secretary, Lis Smith, is romantically involved with disgraced former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.
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