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A Mother’s Death and the Start of Tish Cyrus’s Struggles
Tish Cyrus faced deep emotional trauma after losing her beloved mother, Loretta Finley, affectionately called “Mammie.” Finley died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tish described how Mammie had lived close by and became a daily presence in her family’s life. She explained that her children and Miley Cyrus felt Mamie was like a second parent. When Mammie began experiencing health issues, the whole family rallied around her. Tish said they cherished every moment with her.
After her mother’s passing, Tish felt a massive void. She described that loss as one of the hardest events she had faced. She said the family did not fully process the grief at first. Tish believed she and her kids held in their feelings too long. As the pain lingered, she noticed anxiety begin to rise within her. Her once-stable emotional world started to crumble. Instead of facing her grief directly, she started avoiding the feelings.
In time, Tish began to realize how much Mammie’s presence had meant to her. She shared that her mom helped ground the family through every milestone. When that source of comfort disappeared, she lost her emotional footing. Tish now reflects on how critical those early months were. Many fans say this period marked the start of her journey toward confronting long-buried pain.
Divorce After Nearly Three Decades of Marriage
Soon after coping with her mother’s death, Tish Cyrus faced another life-shaking event. She and country star Billy Ray Cyrus ended their marriage. The couple had been married nearly 28 years when Tish filed for divorce in April 2022. She admitted that leaving the marriage terrified her. Tish explained she feared being alone after spending most of her adult life in partnership.
During her podcast discussion, Tish revealed that this time felt chaotic and frightening. She described days where she could not eat, sleep, or stop crying. The anxiety overwhelmed her so much that she felt unable to function. For Tish, this breakup compounded the grief from her mother’s death. She said the combination of both losses created a psychological pressure she could barely withstand.
Despite the stress, Tish fought through the fear of starting over. She worked hard to create a new life and identity outside the marriage. She said that self-reflection helped her glimpse strength she did not know she possessed. Her journey through grief and separation began to reshape her outlook on life. Though brutally difficult, this period marked a turning point.
Turning to Self-Medication and Its Consequences
When grief and anxiety overwhelmed her, Tish Cyrus turned to marijuana. She admitted that she used weed heavily to cope with emotional pain. At first, she believed cannabis numbed her anxiety and made daily life manageable. Tish said she often saw marijuana as a form of plant medicine and relief.
She now clarifies that her weed use became unconscious self-medication. Rather than acknowledging her grief, Tish replaced emotional processing with substance reliance. This attempt at coping did not address the root pain. It delayed her ability to confront deeper feelings.
When Tish decided to quit smoking, the anxiety surged. A few weeks after stopping, she felt panic so intense she could not function. She described anxiety waves that made everyday activities feel overwhelming. Around this time, she realized that marijuana had only masked her struggle.
This recognition marked a critical shift in her healing process. She began to seek healthier ways to cope. Her decision to confront emotional pain, rather than avoid it, became central to her recovery.
Therapy as a Path Toward Healing
Tish Cyrus credits therapy with helping her rebuild stability. After quitting weed, she sought professional support to manage anxiety. She joined therapy and started honest conversations about her life. Tish said that speaking openly with a therapist helped her understand buried trauma.
Through therapy, she began to recognize patterns she had ignored for years. She confronted not only her grief but also long-standing fears rooted in childhood and relationships. This process often felt uncomfortable, but she committed to it.
Tish also leaned on reading and reflection. Her daughter Miley recommended The Body Keeps the Score, a book about how trauma affects the body. She said the book illuminated why she felt so overwhelmed by emotions she had not processed. Through reflection, Tish learned that unresolved grief stays in the body if ignored. Therapy gave her tools to manage anxiety and understand emotional triggers.
Over time, she noticed progress. Small victories built her confidence. Therapy became a cornerstone of her healing journey.
New Beginnings and Advocacy for Mental Health
After these challenges, Tish Cyrus rebuilt her life with renewed perspective. She married actor Dominic Purcell in 2023, who brought calm and stability. She described that relationship as a safe space to face her emotions.
Tish continues to navigate anxiety, even now. She said some days still trigger intense feelings without clear cause. But she now manages these moments with tools learned in therapy.
Her journey inspired her to support others facing mental health struggles. She now speaks openly about her experiences to raise awareness. Tish emphasizes that healing is possible and no one should suffer alone. She encourages others to seek help and talk about their emotions.
By sharing her story publicly, Tish hopes to destigmatize anxiety and grief. Her transformation shows that confronting pain can lead to resilience. Through transparency, she aims to give hope to those still struggling.