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This Moment from Carrie Fisher's Oprah Show Interview Is the Definition of Bravery

Aired on 02/15/2011 | CC tv-pg
Editor's note: We were deeply saddened to learn of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher's passing. This is a moment from their February 2011 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show. OWN will be re-airing Oprah's interview with the Debbie and Carrie on Thursday, January 5, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

During her darkest time, Carrie Fisher believed people were trying to send her secret messages through the 1958 Hollywood film The Young Lions. It was the 1980s, and the Star Wars actress was coping with untreated bipolar disorder. Later, she would become a leading advocate for mental health after decades of wrestling with her illness.

In a revealing 2011 interview with Oprah, Carrie shared the details of the mental breakdown that culminated with her being committed to an institution. Carrie explained to Oprah how she found hope in what could be seen as her lowest moment. "You know what? When you're in the mental hospital, it's kind of okay because it can't get any worse," Carrie said. "What's going to happen now? It's a relief."

Here, the beloved actress offers hope for those who find themselves in similarly challenging circumstances.

Original airdate: February 15, 2011