Ricki Lake, beloved actress and former talk show host, faced a devastating tragedy when her ex-husband, Christian Evans, passed away. His death by suicide, following a long battle with bipolar disorder, opened the door for Lake to share her heartbreaking story in hopes of raising awareness about mental illness. This article delves into the emotional journey that led to this tragic moment and how Ricki Lake continues to honor her late husband’s memory.
A Love Story Shaped by Bipolar Disorder
Ricki Lake married Christian Evans, a jewelry designer, in April 2012 after meeting him in 2010. Lake described Evans as charismatic, funny, and someone she felt incredibly lucky to have in her life. While their relationship was filled with love, it was also deeply affected by Evans’ struggle with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood
swings. From the outset, Evans was upfront about his diagnosis, revealing that he had lived with the condition for much of his life. Despite his challenges, Lake understood and empathized with him, feeling that many others had misunderstood Evans in ways she did not.
The couple’s marriage seemed happy and stable on the surface, with Lake expressing how Evans was a calming presence in her life. He developed a close bond with her two sons from her previous marriage, further solidifying their family unit. However, beneath the calm exterior, Evans’ mental health struggles were an ongoing battle.
The Dark Side of Mania
In 2014, Lake experienced the first major episode of Evans’ bipolar disorder. It caught her off guard, as Evans’ heightened energy and enthusiasm initially appeared to be a sign of happiness and motivation. However, as his mania escalated, Lake realized something was
seriously wrong. Evans began experiencing delusional thoughts, believing he could cure cancer and even fly. This drastic shift in his behavior was devastating for Lake, who had never seen this side of the disorder.
As Evans’ mania worsened, Lake sought help. Following advice from their therapist, she filed for divorce in 2015, not because the love had faded, but because Evans needed space to stabilize and receive treatment. Even though the divorce was finalized, their bond remained strong, and they continued their relationship privately, with Evans eventually moving back in with Lake.
Evans’ Final Battle with Bipolar Disorder
Despite efforts to manage his condition, Evans’ mental health continued to deteriorate. In the fall of 2016, his mania returned, leading him to move out of their home again. Lake, heartbroken but not surprised, understood that another episode was taking place. She was in London when she received the devastating news on February 11, 2017. Evans’ sister informed Lake that he had sent a suicide note, which left Lake fearing the worst.
Two days later, Evans was found in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His battle with bipolar disorder had overwhelmed him, and Lake was left to grapple with the loss of the man she had loved so deeply.
Raising Awareness Through Tragedy
In the wake of Evans’ death, Lake has made it her mission to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and mental health issues. She openly shares their story, not only to honor Evans’ memory but also to help others who may be struggling with the same condition. Lake emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, understanding, and treatment, urging others not to ignore the signs of mental illness.
She speaks candidly about how Evans didn’t want to be labeled as bipolar, and how his reluctance to seek consistent treatment may have contributed to the challenges they faced. Despite the pain, Lake remains grateful for the years they spent together, stating that she never stopped loving him and feels fortunate to have shared those precious moments.
Moving Forward After Loss
Ricki Lake has remained an optimist, even in the face of such a profound loss. She plans to scatter some of Evans’ ashes on their favorite beach in Ibiza, a place that held special meaning for them. Looking forward, Lake is determined to live a full life, carrying Evans’ memory with her while helping others who are affected by mental health challenges.
Conclusion
The story of Ricki Lake and Christian Evans is a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, mental illness, and loss. Their journey through the ups and downs of bipolar disorder reflects the harsh realities faced by many couples dealing with similar challenges. By sharing their story, Lake hopes to inspire others to seek help, recognize the signs of mental illness, and understand that even in the darkest times, love and empathy can provide some comfort.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, the National Institute of Mental Health provides resources and support. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for assistance, or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Ricki Lake’s husband pass away? Christian Evans, Ricki Lake’s ex-husband, tragically passed away by suicide after a long battle with bipolar disorder. He was found in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in February 2017.
2. When did Ricki Lake and Christian Evans get married? Ricki Lake and Christian Evans married in April 2012. Despite their divorce in 2015, they continued their relationship until Evans’ passing in 2017.
3. What was Christian Evans diagnosed with? Christian Evans was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. His battle with the disorder had a significant impact on his life and his relationship with Ricki Lake.
4. Did Ricki Lake know about Evans’ condition before marriage? Yes, Christian Evans was upfront about his bipolar disorder with Ricki Lake before they married. She accepted and supported him through his mental health challenges.
5. How has Ricki Lake honored Christian Evans after his death? Ricki Lake has shared their story publicly to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and mental health. She plans to scatter some of his ashes on their favorite beach in Ibiza and continues to advocate for mental health support.