Ricki Lake, the iconic former talk show host, recently shared an intimate glimpse into her transformative journey of love, loss, and healing. Once a staunch advocate of the “Just Say No” campaign, Lake admitted to a profound shift in her perspective after trying ayahuasca, a spiritual plant medicine. Her openness marks a significant departure from her earlier views on mind-altering substances.
This shift, inspired by her late ex-husband, Christian Evans, underscores the powerful impact of their relationship. Evans, who battled bipolar disorder, introduced Lake to new ways of thinking and coping, challenging her deeply ingrained beliefs. Their connection, despite its challenges, left an indelible mark on her life, shaping her personal growth and outlook.
In recounting her experiences, Lake provides a candid look at how love can expand one’s understanding and how grief can transform into gratitude. Her story is one of resilience, highlighting the complexities of mental health, the depth of human connection, and the capacity for healing through unconventional paths.
Ricki Lake: From “Just Say No” to Ayahuasca Advocate
During her talk show days, Ricki Lake was a staunch advocate for saying no to drugs. Influenced by the “Just Say No” campaign popularized by Nancy Reagan, she held firm beliefs against mind-altering substances.
However, her relationship with Christian Evans challenged her perspective. Ricki met Evans during a transformative period, and he introduced her to the idea of spiritual exploration through ayahuasca.
“I was so closed-minded,” Lake admitted. “But Christian cracked me open. Me, doing ayahuasca in northern California? Never in a million years did I think I’d be someone who would try it.”
The Love Story That Changed Everything
Ricki Lake described Christian Evans as “super magical.” Their love story was filled with deep connection and mutual admiration.
“He was madly in love with me, and I with him,” she shared. Despite their eventual divorce in 2015, their bond remained strong until his death in 2017.
Their relationship wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as Evans battled bipolar disorder. Yet, Lake credits him with opening her heart and mind in ways she never anticipated.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: A Journey of Compassion
Before her relationship with Evans, Ricki Lake had little understanding of bipolar disorder. She recalled the shock and heartbreak of witnessing his first psychotic break.
“It was almost more shocking seeing him turn into another person than his ultimate death,” she said.
Evans’ struggles with mental health deeply impacted Ricki. She dedicated herself to helping him, doing everything in her power to provide support and access to medical care.
Coping with Grief: “I Couldn’t Save Him”
Evans’ suicide in 2017 left Ricki Lake grappling with immense grief. Despite her efforts to help him, she felt an overwhelming sense of failure.
“I’m a manifester. I get things done,” she said. “But when it came to fixing him, I couldn’t. I couldn’t save him.”
Her grief was so intense that it often left her unable to get out of bed. However, over time, she began to reframe her perspective, finding peace in the love they shared.
Spiritual Healing Through Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine known for its mind-expanding properties, played a significant role in Ricki Lake’s healing journey.
Although initially fearful of substances, her experiences with ayahuasca helped her process grief and gain a deeper understanding of herself. The spiritual practice, introduced to her by Evans, became a cornerstone of her emotional recovery.
Moving Forward: Life After Loss
Ricki Lake has since remarried Ross Burningham and found a new chapter of happiness. Despite her new life, she continues to honor Christian Evans’ memory.
“I talk about him a lot. I think about him a lot. He’s not holding me back,” she said.
Through her grief, Ricki has discovered a profound sense of gratitude for both her past and present.
Lessons Learned: Love, Loss, and Gratitude
Reflecting on her journey, Ricki Lake shared valuable lessons about love, loss, and the enduring connections we hold with the deceased.
“What I can say is through loving and losing him, I’m the best version of myself because of the way he loved me,” she explained.
Lake believes that Evans’ departure allowed her to embrace a more abundant life filled with gratitude and purpose.
Raising Awareness About Mental Health
Ricki Lake’s story also sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness. Her experience with Christian Evans highlights the need for understanding and compassion when supporting loved ones with bipolar disorder.
She encourages open conversations about mental health and urges those struggling to seek help.
Ricki Lake’s Legacy: A Story of Resilience
Ricki Lake’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through love, loss, and healing, she has transformed her pain into a source of strength and inspiration.
Her story reminds us of the power of vulnerability, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the enduring nature of love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Ricki Lake to try ayahuasca?
Ricki Lake was inspired by her late ex-husband, Christian Evans, who introduced her to the spiritual practice during their time together. His influence helped her overcome her fears and open up to new perspectives.
What is ayahuasca, and why did Ricki Lake use it?
Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic medicine traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies. Ricki Lake used it as part of a healing journey, which she credits for expanding her mind and helping her process grief and loss.
How did Ricki Lake’s perspective on drugs change over time?
Initially a strong advocate of the “Just Say No” campaign, Ricki Lake held judgmental views toward drugs. Her relationship with Christian Evans and her experience with ayahuasca led her to reconsider and embrace a more open-minded perspective.
Who was Christian Evans, and what was his impact on Ricki Lake?
Christian Evans was Ricki Lake’s ex-husband, a man she described as magical and transformative. He played a pivotal role in her emotional and spiritual growth, introducing her to new ideas and helping her navigate personal challenges.
What challenges did Ricki Lake face in her relationship with Christian Evans?
Their relationship was profoundly affected by Christian’s bipolar disorder. Ricki experienced the heartbreak of his psychotic breaks and ultimately coped with his suicide in 2017, which deeply impacted her life.
How did Ricki Lake cope with the loss of Christian Evans?
Ricki Lake struggled with intense grief, feeling as though she had failed him. Over time, she found solace in spiritual practices like ayahuasca and reframed her loss as a source of gratitude and growth.
What lessons did Ricki Lake learn from her journey with Christian Evans?
Through her relationship with Christian, Ricki learned about the complexities of love, the importance of mental health awareness, and the enduring nature of spiritual connections even after loss.
Is Ricki Lake an advocate for mental health awareness?
Yes, Ricki Lake has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Her experiences with Christian Evans’ bipolar disorder have inspired her to speak openly about the importance of compassion and support for those struggling.
How has Ricki Lake’s life changed since losing Christian Evans?
Since Christian’s passing, Ricki Lake has found a new chapter of happiness, remarrying Ross Burningham. She continues to honor Christian’s memory while embracing gratitude for her life’s journey.
What message does Ricki Lake hope to share through her story?
Ricki Lake’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She hopes to inspire others to seek healing, embrace change, and prioritize mental health and spiritual growth in their own lives.
Conclusion
Ricki Lake’s candid reflections on her life with Christian Evans reveal a journey of growth, heartbreak, and healing. From confronting her fears of ayahuasca to navigating the complexities of mental illness and grief, she has emerged stronger and more grateful than ever.
Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating loss or seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, remember that help is always available. Reach out to resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to find support.
