Listen, I’m well aware of the world we live in. A world where it’s fun to name call and condemn a complete stranger for the sake of Facebook and Twitter “likes,” a place where society would rather drag someone through the mud in place of reaching out a helping hand. The fact of the matter is – people make mistakes, people use bad judgement and people fuck up. It happens; but as the famous “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” quote goes, it’s what you do afterwards that counts, that’s when you find out who you really are. Using a “Buffy” quote here is both ironic and relative because I would like to dedicate the rest of this post to Nicholas Brendon, who is currently trying his best to overcome some very personal, very real and dark demons.
I don’t think any news source has covered his story since he began a 90 day treatment for alcoholism and depression, so I would like to be the first person to do so. Instead of passing judgement and holding grudges, let’s take a moment to give a man, an actor credit for the strides towards recovering that he’s already made and help propel him to a better life with encouragement and support. Another quote from “Buffy,” this time from the canon comic book continuation Buffy Season 8, states, will you stand and face the darkness or turn and run back into the light? I’d be naive if I said Brendon has an easy road ahead of him, but it is my hope that he has indeed seen the light.
Nicholas started his rehabilitation, his third attempt as an adult, in late October. Sunny Florida would be his home for the next 90 days as he took responsibility, dealt with and worked towards conquering his alcohol addiction that saw him arrested three times in 2015; the last instance being in October for third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing. Changes in his demeanor were apparent when he re-appeared on “Dr. Phil” following a nasty on air spat and walk off; his second appearance being visibly calmer and more open to discussing what plagued him. Late January came and Nick graduated from the program at Origins Recovery Centery and is looking forward to a happy and healthier life.
His focus now is on staying positive, even when things get rough, a theme I think we can all relate to. I think we all have a tendency to make things worse when we’re feeling down, which sources say is a sign of depression. Speaking of which, Brendon launched a limited edition T-shirt sale where the majority of proceeds are going to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It goes off sale tonight so make sure you buy one to show your support! Nick is also exploring new hobbies and activities, with the goal in mind to experience something new, something to help him grow every day. And he’s back at events and conventions, more eager than ever to hug his fans who have supported him throughout this entire ordeal.
I know a lot of people will read this and disagree with my sentiments of celebrating a human being who’s putting his best foot forward, but I don’t care. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and in return Nicholas Brendon was a huge part of my childhood and young adulthood. The show and its fandom was there for me when I needed it the most, Hell – it still is, and I’m not ready to turn my back on him just yet. The past is the past, the future is the future. As I mentioned above, what Nick does from here is completely up to him and I’m ready to see who he really is. And I’m ready for him to be in a new horror project, too!
#kickingdepressionintheballsack
Nicholas Brendon is most known for starring in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as Xander Harris in 143 episodes that aired from 1997 to 2003. He’s also appeared in a number of horror films including Children of the Corn III (1995), Psycho Beach Party (2000), Demon Island (2002), Fire Serpent (2007), Unholy (2007), Blood on the Highway (2008), My Neighbor’s Secret (2009), The Portal (2010), Coherence (2013) and Attack of the Morningside Monster (2014).
