Chris Appleton Opens Up About His Suicide Attempt and Embracing Identity
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton calls his suicide attempt “one of the darkest nights of my life” In a candid Jay Shetty podcast interview he reflects on the emotional crisis that became a turning point—now embracing authenticity alongside the release of his debut book Your Roots Don’t Define You .
In a powerful and vulnerable conversation on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast released August 6 2025 celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton opened up about one of the most painful and private moments of his life Reflecting on a past suicide attempt he described how struggling with his identity and the fear of hurting his children led to what he called “one of the darkest nights of my life” That harrowing experience became a turning point—one that transformed his life and ultimately inspired his new book .
The Breaking Point: Fear and Shame
Appleton now 42 revealed that at one point he believed his children would be better off without him “a dad that was dead than a dad that was gay” He described checking into a hotel room with a mix of painkillers and alcohol clutching a case filled with photos of his children and handwritten messages The weight of hiding his sexuality and the fear of his kids facing stigma because of it pushed him to the brink .
“I closed my eyes and thought ‘This is it’” — Chris Appleton On Purpose Podcast
The Attempt and Awakening
That night Appleton lost consciousness The next thing he remembers is waking up in a hospital disoriented with sirens in the background That moment of survival sparked a question that changed everything What if he stopped fighting his truth .
Surrender and Transformation
While recovering he asked himself “What about if I just surrender What about if I’m just gay and I just be that” That shift in perspective marked a transformation He recognized that hiding was not sustainable—and embracing his true self was the only path forward .
“That night was the darkest of my life But it was also the beginning of healing”
Family Identity and Healing
Appleton shared how painful it was to come out especially to his ex partner Katie Katon and their children He carried guilt feeling as though he had failed them Their confusion and hurt weighed heavily on him But through time therapy and the power of vulnerability he began to reconnect—with his family and with himself .
A Message of Hope
Now as he releases his debut book Your Roots Don’t Define You Appleton hopes to reach others who may be struggling He wants people—especially those hiding their identities—to know they are not alone His journey from despair to authenticity is a powerful message of resilience and hope .
Conclusion
Chris Appleton’s raw and honest story stands as a reminder that even in our darkest hours transformation is possible His journey toward self acceptance underscores a vital truth embracing who you are isn’t just brave—it can be lifesaving .