Billy Joel Depression: Star Blames 9/11, Not Alcohol, for Problems

For those suffering from depression, it can be more than just a feeling of sadness. Those dealing with the health problem may often lose interest in things they enjoy, have trouble sleeping or eating, or any number of the above symptoms combined with added troubles. And to this day, even though depression has been diagnosed as a medical illness, many stereotypically cast it as a sign of weakness and failure in various cultures.

Yet, when someone we know, or, better yet, a famous person, is open about discussing their problem, it can bring a better light of understanding and acceptance to the issue.

Billy Joel, who was blamed for three highly-publicized car accidents, has fought with his depression throughout the years . Joel said he believes that the 9/11 attacks are to blame for his recent problems, despite that the celebrity has commonly had an issue with drug and alcohol abuse.

The pop star went into rehab for his drinking habit in 2005 but in a wide-ranging interview insisted that the spate of accidents in two preceding years was not caused by his heavy consumption of vodka, his alcohol of choice.

 "I was kind of in a mental fog, and it had nothing to do with the booze," he told The New York Times.

 "My mind wasn't right. I wasn't focused. I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11.

"9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know even now if I've recovered from it. It really, really hurt that man could do that to man.

 "And then there was a break-up with somebody, and it took me a while to get me back on my feet again ... I used booze as medication."

 Joel said that he still drinks "a glass of wine once in a while" and does not "subscribe to" the 12-step anti-addiction programme of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The star his famous for various musical hits, including the songs "Uptown Girl," "Piano Man" and "Only the Good Die Young." 

 "I got tired of it," he said. "I got bored with it. I wanted to write something other than the three-minute pop tune."