‘Grey's Anatomy' actor Eric Dane reveals ALS diagnosis
Dane, who also starred in 'Euphoria,' opened up about the diagnosis during an interview with People, saying he is 'grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.'
ALS, a neurogenerative disease also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a 'condition that affects how nerve cells communicate with your muscles,' the Cleveland Clinic's website explains. It leads to worsening muscle weakness over time, and there is currently no cure.
The causes of ALS are still being studied, though it is believed that around 10% of cases are passed down through genetics, according to the Mayo Clinic's website.
'Researchers continue to study possible causes of ALS. Most theories center on a complex interaction between genes and factors in the environment,' the site reads.
Dane, on behalf of his family, went on to request privacy at this time.
The 52-year-old California native is known for portraying Dr. Mark Sloan on 'Grey's Anatomy,' but also appeared in 'Charmed,' 'The Last Ship' and 'Euphoria,' per IMDb. He's set to return as his character of Cal Jacobs for the upcoming third season of 'Euphoria.'
'I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of 'Euphoria' next week,' Dane told People during the interview.
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14 Things You Didn't Realize Were Coping Mechanisms Until Therapy
Are you ever surprised by the things you do to cope with stress or emotions, only to discover much later that they're actually coping mechanisms? Therapy can be a real eye-opener when it comes to understanding these behaviors. Many of us develop these habits or strategies without even realizing it, simply because they help us get through tough times. But recognizing them is crucial, especially when you're aiming for healthier mental well-being. Here are 14 things you might not have realized were coping mechanisms until therapy. 1. Always Being Busy You might think that filling up your schedule with back-to-back activities is just a sign of being productive. But in reality, staying perpetually busy can be a way to avoid dealing with uncomfortable emotions or situations. According to Dr. Scott Bea, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, people often use busyness as a distraction from anxiety or unresolved issues. The constant hustle keeps you from having to face reality, which might feel safe but isn't always healthy. It's worth considering if your packed agenda is more about avoidance than achievement. Being busy constantly can also lead to burnout if you're not careful. You might find that you're sacrificing personal time and relaxation in the name of productivity. It's important to strike a balance between being productive and taking time for yourself. Therapy can help you recognize when your busyness is becoming a problem and guide you in finding healthier ways to manage your stress. After all, downtime is necessary for both your mental and physical health. 2. Making Jokes About Everything It's normal to meet someone who uses humor to diffuse tension or lighten the mood. If you're that person, you might feel like humor is your secret weapon against stress or awkward situations. But sometimes, constantly turning everything into a joke is a way to avoid facing serious issues. Humor can serve as a shield against vulnerability, keeping people at a safe distance from your true feelings. While laughter is indeed a great medicine, it's essential to ensure it's not masking deeper issues. You might not even be aware that you're using humor as a defense mechanism. Friends and family may see you as the life of the party, the one who always brings a smile to everyone's face. But underneath, you could be struggling with feelings you're not ready to face. In therapy, you can explore why you rely so heavily on humor and find ways to express your emotions more openly. It's about finding that balance between being genuinely funny and using jokes as a cover-up. 3. Overthinking We all have moments where we can't stop replaying a scenario in our heads, wondering about every little detail. Overthinking can feel like you're being thorough, but it's often more about controlling the uncertainty. Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, a psychologist who was known for her work on rumination, highlighted how overthinking can trap you in a cycle of worry and doubt. It can prevent you from taking action or making decisions, as you're constantly second-guessing yourself. What seems like diligent analysis can quickly spiral into a paralyzing loop. In therapy, you might come to realize that overthinking is a way to avoid taking risks or making mistakes. The idea is that if you think long and hard enough, you'll come up with the perfect solution. But this can also mean you're stuck in a loop, never moving forward. By understanding this pattern, you can work on strategies to break free from overthinking. Sometimes, it's about learning to trust your instincts and make decisions with the information you have. 4. Emotional Eating When you're feeling down or stressed, reaching for your favorite comfort food can seem like a quick fix. Emotional eating is a common way people try to soothe themselves in times of distress. But while it might offer temporary relief, it doesn't address the underlying issues causing your emotional discomfort. This habit often develops because food is readily available and provides an immediate sense of satisfaction. However, it can lead to guilt and unhealthy eating patterns if left unchecked. Therapy can help you explore the emotions driving your eating habits. You might find that you're using food as a way to fill a void or avoid dealing with difficult feelings. By identifying these triggers, you can work on developing healthier coping strategies. This could include finding new ways to manage stress, like exercising, talking to a friend, or learning relaxation techniques. Understanding the emotional roots of your eating habits can empower you to make more mindful food choices. 5. Retail Therapy There's a reason why buying yourself something new feels so good, at least momentarily. 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You might be protecting yourself from perceived threats or past hurts, but in doing so, you're also missing out on support and connection. By working with a therapist, you can explore these patterns and find a balance between alone time and social interaction. Building a supportive network can provide you with the emotional resources you need to face life's challenges. Social connections can be a vital part of maintaining mental health and building resilience. 9. Constantly Seeking Validation It's normal to want praise or acknowledgment from others, but constantly seeking validation can indicate deeper issues. This behavior often stems from a lack of self-esteem or fear of rejection. When you're always looking for approval, you might find yourself doing things you don't want to do just to please others. Over time, this can lead to feelings of resentment and a loss of personal identity. It's important to understand the difference between healthy validation and relying on others to define your worth. In therapy, you can work on building self-esteem and self-worth from within. This involves recognizing your achievements and valuing your opinions without needing external confirmation. By understanding why you crave validation, you can start to cultivate a sense of self that isn't dependent on others. This shift can be empowering and lead to healthier relationships and personal growth. Ultimately, it's about learning to trust yourself and your abilities without needing constant reassurance. 10. Over-Apologizing Apologizing when you're in the wrong is a sign of accountability, but over-apologizing can reveal deeper insecurities. If you find yourself saying sorry for things that aren't your fault, it might be a coping mechanism linked to a need for acceptance or fear of conflict. 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Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. If she could tell social media users one thing, it's this: don't pretend to be an expert. 'You never know what's going on,' she says. 'There were over 20 different comments guessing the cause. It's different for every person.' Katenkamp says she understands the appeal of quick judgments, especially online. But she hopes her story shows why empathy matters. 'Don't speak on other people's health,' she says. 'If there's one thing I learned, it's that you really don't know what someone's going through.' Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
