Legendary musician Billy Joel has opened up about a deeply painful chapter in his life. In his new documentary, Joel shares that in his early twenties, after a complicated and painful love triangle with his best friend’s wife, he attempted suicide twice and even fell into a coma. This dark period, marked by heartbreak and the collapse of close relationships, left him spiraling. Yet, after these attempts, Joel checked himself into an observation ward and began to channel his grief and sorrow into music—a decision that ultimately changed the course of his life and career. Billy Joel’s raw honesty about his mental health struggles and the creative rebirth that followed serves as a powerful reminder that pain, when brought into the light, can become the soil for new growth. As Christians, we too are not immune to seasons of despair. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out in anguish: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11). Our pain is all too real, but so is God’s presence. May we find the courage to bring our sadness to God, trusting that He can transform it into something beautiful—a song of hope for others still in the darkness.
The Christian Association for Survivors of Suicide Loss, Inc. (suicideloss.org) provides support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide through support groups and church support. If you are in crisis, dial 988 or 911 for assistance.
