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Iyanla Vanzant embarked on a helluva mission when she decided to take on troubled actress Maia Campbell during a recent celebrity version of “Iyanla: Fix My Life.”
In the ’90s, Campbell starred in the hit sitcom In the House with LL Cool J and Debbie Allen. In 1998, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after acting out on set. After having her daughter in 2000, Maia stopped taking her medication and lost custody of her.
Maia then turned to drugs and was arrested multiple times. At her lowest point, a disturbing video of the once vibrant actress looking disheveled and acting erratically circulated on the internet. She has since been sober two years, while still battling a bipolar disorder.
[READ: The Sad Truth About Maia Campbell]
Iyanla (who happens to have been a close friend of Maia’s mother, author Bebe Moore-Campbell) asks Maia to clear up the misconceptions surrounding her past, but several believe that Iyanla took on way too much with Campbell.
My twitter friend @JustJavier even wrote an open letter expressing his concerns about the episode:
Prior to watching the episode, I had my doubts as well but Iyanla had good intentions and wasn’t actually attempting to tackle or treat Maia’s mental disorder.
Watch the FULL episode of Maia Campbell on Iyanla: Fix My Life and judge for yourself …
Iyanla, Fix My Life: Actress Maia Campbell (FULL VIDEO)
Exclusive Webisode: What Maia Campbell Wants the World to Know About Her
Exclusive Webisode: Why Maia Campbell Says Bipolar Disorder Made Her Feel Ruined
While taking a tour of the residential facility ex-child star Maia Campbell now lives in, Iyanla sees a room filled with clothes and makeup.
Maia says she tries to look good on the outside to cope with feeling ruined on the inside. Watch as Iyanla and Maia have a frank discussion about her bipolar disorder.
Campbell details what she wants people to understand and explains why she believes Iyanla Vanzant is a blessing.
You’ve been a very big help for me. I owe you a lot of thanks. You’ve given me a platform to present my issue and I want to turn it around through you.
I think that you can help me lift up my issue and turn it around because people don’t see me the way they need to see me until you give them a chance to see the whole picture. I think we’ve given them a chance to see the whole picture through you.
Maia seems happy with the platform she was given and it was definitely an emotional video.
What did you think about Maia’s eye-opening episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life?
I give thumbs up to Iyanla Vanzant and Maia Campbell for this intervention and I don’t see where Iyanla in any form attempted to tackle or treat Maia’s mental disorder. In my opinion, her goal was to tackle and assist in Maia’s spiritual disorder. From listening to her on the episode, it is my opinion that this young lady’s spirit has been broken and stepped on and she needs support and repairing.
Oooh Makeba you said it. God bless this woman on her journey.
great show but i didn’t see a break through
Yall really need to stop with the Iyanla "fixing" someone mess.Only God can fix someone.Iyanla need to stop playing with these people’s lives and FIX herself!
Amen! Iyanla is all about the ratings. Maya needs more than a counseling session,her problems are much too deep.
I agree Iyanla is in it for the ratings! If I am GOOD FRIENDS with a woman & she paases, ain’t ENOUGH MONEY OR RATINGS IN THE WORLD thats going to convine me to EXPLOIT her child (grown or not) especially when she suffers from a MENTAL DISORDER! I understand Maia RECHED OUT TO Iyanla to be on the show but I think some of the techniques Iyanla used were RIDICULOUS, especially when she was "acting" out scenes from her life! I just hope Maia gets it together for the sake of her daughter and maybe BET will hire her, cause they stay hiring & firing!
I have to agree. People please stop with these fake tv personalities trying to fix or help anyone. If she’s such a good friend to her and her mom she coulda kept it private instead of trying to get some ratings for her broke down show and those common sense books. Folks need to think for themselves and look to the higher power for spiritual and emotional healing and possibly seek some real processional help.
She’s (iyanla) known her since she was younger and had a little more information then we know of. Her accreditation can be taken with a grain of salt once you think about the gurus and false prophets working the impressionable. I think her main thing was getting her to stop blaming others and taking responsibilities for our own actions that’s the breakthrough. She blamed everybody but the man in the mirror!
I think it was good. We never really heard her speak. She addressed some issue and learned to own up to her mistakes. Plus she’s on medications that blocks emotions so what breakthrough u wanted? You wanted her screaming & shaking?
What concerned me about the interview was that Iyanla tried to protect her friend, Maia’s deceased mom, by not digging further into why Maia felt that she had to be perfect by age 12 and that she had a desperate desire at that age to feel accepted and loved by her mom? I found that to be quite odd that she wouldn’t investigate that further because Iyanla has tore into other guests’ parents? Maia had a pretty dysfunctional upbringing before the now infamous youtube videos. If you’re going to "fix" someone then I don’t think that anyone gets a pass and Michelle I agree with Javier because I’m currently in grad school pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology and mental health issues are complexed and it takes a lot more than a few activities to truly be effective in helping a client.
I’m glad to see that I wasn’t the only one you saw that transpire. Something is to be said about the fact that Maia kept saying in so many words that both her parents were "waiting for her to fail". Her need to be perfect had to manifest from some incident where she was told she wasn’t good enough. Even though I like this show and Iyanla herself, that was wrong not to address that issue more.
Maia was consistent in repeating her parent’s words but Iyanla intentionally never addressed the issue with her parents. I wonder if either the mom or dad battled with mental issues because Maia’s mental health challenges are usually genetic. I just pray she’s getting some real help at that residential facility.
I read somewhere that her mother did suffer from some sort of mental disorder.
they are genetic, my great grandmother had mental issues and later had alzhemiers and same thing happ to my grandmother i pray it doesn’t happen to my mother and her sisters…but yes it is genetic, so if it do happen the person can change if they want to…it’s mind over matter and coming to a place where you will believe God for healing and deliverance and begin to treat others with love and respect. my great grandmotehr and grandmother was mean and evil women, i mean they could be sweet as pie one minute and a hell storm would come over their life and they were evil as hell causing trouble spreading rumors and my grandmothr was an alcoholic at one point in her life. so yeah the person has to want to change….but it is real!
I think the show was a great intervention and it gave us the viewers another look at Maia trying to get herself back together other the past side of that was blasted on the web in the video clip they showed. Someone with her illness would have needed more then just a 1 hr show to help her if that was Iyanla was trying to do.
They should not have had her daughter on the show. That was pure exploitation. Maia is in a very bad place. I hope they can get her meds right.
Agree….
agree…#heartbreaking:(
Something didn’t feel right about this…she just seemed to not have any emotion. If that’s what the meds do then I could understand why someone would not want to take them…
yes, im sure she was highly sedated…
the side effects of the meds can do that and more…sad situation
praying for maia
That’s exactly what meds do to you. I was on a sedative as well as an antidepressant for anxiety disorder/severe depression and I stopped my meds because they made me feel like a zombie. The common misconception is that pills make you happy when all they really do is bring you to a middle ground and keep from intense emotional outbursts imo…I’m hoping she gets well though. Mental illness isn’t mental weakness and it definitely takes work to overcome.
Poor thing… I hope she gets the help that she needs but going to another human being with their own faults and problems isn’t a solution. The only one that can help and save her is Jesus. I believe that she carries a lot of demons around for what ever reason and medical personal will label this with "bi polar, schizophrenia and other psychological issues" that misinform the person that it’s not a spiritual battle within themselves. I have a degree in psychology and to be perfectly honest it’s all just a bunch of BS.
totally agree..i am doing a psychology class now and it is a bunch of bullshit and i hate that i took this class and all the terms and bullshit is not fact but however, someone else’s theory on what’s going on in your brain….ill be glad when this class is over on dec 8!!!! ugh!!!! then we have multiple choice test and the teacher dont even believe the bullshit in this book but yet she is telling us to read all these chapters and crap! i ain’t reading nothing but i only practice the definitions of the words and i am still passing..teachers are so fake and so are the books they teach out of especially psychology!!!!!
sad…i dont know what to make of the show…smh
was it helpful or hurtful???
I was disgusted by this show and it obviously was nothing more than a ploy for ratings. If Iyanla true intentions were to help a woman that she has known far beyond television than this was no way to do it! It was more than obvious Maia was highly sadated and her kid like reponses bothered me only proving how unstable she was. To attempt to bring upon and address feelings with no actual resolve is very reckless and is deemed unprofessional when working with someone with a mental disorder. The whole charade of Maia talking to herself in 2nd person and kneeling on the ground talking to her a picture of her mother resolved what?? Iyanla took advantage of this young woman and accomplished nothing!
i agree…having her play out the scenes of her life was useless…why do this on tv, maia even said at one point that she couldnt do it, it was hard for her…i felt so sad for maia and her child…
im slightly disappointed in iyanla,
wont be watching anymore
I thought the show was decent but I do feel that Maia was alitte scripted. Surprisingly Iylana wasn’t judgemental or pushy like she is with others who come on her show. I hope Maia goes to therapy with her daughter so they can rebuild their relationship
Yes. I think she was. Maia is sick and the choice to remain clean is up to her. Of course she’ll need a good support system to help keep her on track. She also needs to make sure she keeps taking those meds for her bipolar condition. Iyanla was a great person to help her but she has a long road ahead of her as well.
I couldnt watch. Something about the interview doesnt sit right with me. She is mentally ill and Iyana is not a licensed to treat her. Oprah’s network is looking real supsect right now, like we will do anything for ratings.
i agree
What people do not get is that Iyanla’s purpose was not to treat Maia’s mental illness. Iyanla was more focused on building Maia’s broken spirit, get her to a place where she’s taking responsiblity for her own actions and learning how to move forward and leave the past exactly what it is in THE PAST. Maia seems to need someone to let her know that they have her back and that she’s not alone while she’s getting better and I think that is what Iyanla’s purpose was. It wasn’t to fix her bipolar disorder.
Some Black people get a little degree and feel like they can bring others down.
I agreed with everything you said until I read "Some Black people get a little degree and feel like they can bring others down." I applaud any person, especially a Black one, with a degree-that took determination, dedication, and ambition.
Thank you so much, it wasn’t easy. Till this day I look back and don’t know how I managed it.
@Music I have not the time or attention span at the moment to address you properly. However I will say that clearly by you jumping to defend a subject I never discussed in my statement shows that your locks a little rusty and the gears aren’t turning.
*lock is
I agree totally. I felt Iyanla did a great job at getting Maia to explore and move past her past. She wasn’t trying to fix her illness but help her emotionally. Yes only God can "fix" us but he also put others here to help us. However, I did feel Iyanla didn’t tap into the part about her mom enough. Maybe it was because she is deceased. But anyway I help Maia continues to get help
I really think that Iyanla’s intentions were good. But I think that this was done way too soon. She needs to be healed from the current demons, (the drugs, and the mental illness), Before we start dealing with her past demons,( the parental issues, and the family disfunction).
My heart went out to her because she is so emotionless, and basically she was responding with yesses and nos that seemed to be answers seeking approval.
I dont believe that her daughter should have been brought into this, simply because I believe that she is probably dealing with enough, simply because her mother is sick.
There is hope for this woman, and right now I believe that Iyanla needs to give her help BEHIND the scenes. I would hope that Iyanla didnt do this for ratings. I think I know her better than that, due to her long roads and journeys.
So no, I dont think It was for ratings, but I do believe it was done much too soon.
Maia made me think that she felt she was being put on display when she brought up that picture of her when she had reached rock bottom. Like she was saying okay, this is what everyone has been laughing about, why would you do this. Dont you think. Now that was what I had a problem with Iyanla for, in this episode.
I agree with what alot of what I read here…I do think that Iyanla’s intentions were pure and that Maia’s daughter should have been left off of the show. She is a child and still at an age where kids are cruel and mean when they dont understand what another child is going through. It seemed like the step dad was dealing with some type of regret involving Maia’s childhood and is trying to make up for that now. While I cant say if it was too soon for her to do this show I can say more than likely she wanted to change the last known image that everyone has of her…the video. For some reason she still seems to care alot about what the world thinks of her which is a very dangerous way to live. When the "world" doubts her she crumbles. She has to learn how to stand no matter what. Praying in time she will get that. Glad to at least see her on the right track of this long journey.
I agree with you greatly. She just has a lot of healing to do.
Iyanla is a force of support. Many with mental illness lose friends and some family closeness. Therapists are not the only consistent support. People like Iyanla try to support and not cure. My grandmother did not have license but she knew and was support. Now that both of my grandmothers are here for me, Iyanla is. Iyanla and TD Jakes or Joel Osteen or Dr Phil. Any help is better than none at all. Maia called Iyanla to come help her out.
Right! Well said!!
Again, very well said. When Ilanya hugged daughter, those who had that kind of love from mother, grandmother or aunts knows exactly how that feels. It’s like a spirit charge.
Thanks for sharing this with those who didn’t watch on OWN. I almost commented without watching video. A major mistake. This was so touching and powerful. Most watching it must relate in some way. I was the mother that chose work over everything. I missed so much in my child’s life. Yes, like many of you I too substituted "things" for love. Mia’s bravery in letting this very special spirit, Ilanya, intervene in her life is something not only to see, but feel. I cried. Not just for Mia but for incredible spirits put on this earth to help guide us if we let them. Ilanya for doing the work, Oprah for producing the show, and rare responsible media site owners like Michelle for not exploiting this by just posting it and letting it hang out there without herself discussing content. This show will change the views of youtube’s videos and ill conceived judgements of Mia by whoever sees this.
I keep mispronouncing her name. Incredidible spirits often have unique names. Iyanla, Oprah,Barack.
Beautifully and perfectly stated!!!
Oh my!! I can not believe how negative and cynical we have become as a people!! WOW! You think that Iyanla does this for ratings (alone)?? Then WHY, praytell, is she on OWN, and not a more successful network? Why is she not doing one of those ridiculous REALITY TV shows on the OTHER networks, I am sure MOST of you frequent often!
She is not being the super hero in ANY of these stories… she is being a SPARK to help people figure out their own problems and take an initiative to get control over their lives!! Try, FOR ONCE, to see something for what it truly is.
Iyanla, has a track record of speaking out to women, who for CENTURIES have been broken down, placed as secondary, and have had to deal with issues of self esteem, abuse, and self sabbotage. She is an ADVOCATE for young women and FAMILIES, and you would discredit her work, just because she is making MONEY doing it!?? Shame on each and every one of you!! This woman was doing this, when she WASN’T making much money for it. Now GOD has blessed her abundantly for OBEYING his calling on her life!! Why don’t YOU ALL do the same thing!?
Most aren’t exposed to her skills. A lot never will be. Many NEED to be. She could help ME! Iyanla would never allow their callous remarks to weight on her blessings. She’s standing in His light and her works will speak for her. So don’t even let them make you raise a brow. Now I’m going back over to the "ratchets" and talk some trash..bye!
=) Love, Light, and many blessings to you!!!!
Had to log in to big up both of you for your REAL TALK up in here. Kudos.
I never said that Iyanla wasnt the right energy for her life. I simply said that it was too soon to do it on TV. Hey I think Iyanla is definately the right person to mentor her. Just not in the public.
Really!!!! I just dont like Iyanla anymore. She has lost that it factor. This was not the move. I know that Mia needed that money to get out the trasitional house, but damn. This was soooo painful to watch. They are really running with this bipolar shit. I wish Mya nothing but the best but child boo, you were a spoiled brat who liked to get high, point blank period!!!!
Yet another clueless person, with too much to say… smh.
Please, get a clue… before you rant on with hateful commentary. My mother was raised in poverty… didnt have a priviledged life, is a beautiful person, but has substance abuse problems, which caused family to take me away from her, as well.
Education and experience is important when trying to make an assessment on a person who abuses drugs or alcohol… People don’t just give their lives to these things… they GIVE UP on something else… there is ALWAYS much PAIN involved… What Iyanla helps them do is to have compassion for themselves enough to admit what the REAL problems are… Especially when there are people, like you, who are UNINFORMED and will make a judgement without ANY compassion or THOUGHT at all!
Maia doesn’t need the money! She has it, its only being supervised by her father. Her mother was a top book seller come on she didn’t need the show for that!
First, greetings & salutations to everyone here, and to each of you that reads my comment; I thank you for taking the time to do so.
Thank you ATLien for posting this incredibly touching piece – as my journey has skirted a similarly parallel course – it spoke to me!
Second, I am extremely glad that I took the time to watch this piece. It motivated me to explore MANY of my own questions concerning previously self-deprecating and self-destructive behavior. It also gave me an opportunity to see a reflection of what I lived through and how to continue moving forward one day at a time.
Seeing Maia in the listless confines of whatever prescription medication she is on made me thankful for the personal choice I made to get off of Lexapro. DEEP within I felt that there was a better way to repair myself. And, I am thankful for the board certified holistic physician that introduced me to total balance.
While I understand that each person is different I inherently feel that lasting change has to begin at a cellular level. Meds only mask deeply rooted problems which manifest in our bodies’ and actions. Seven years later I am thankful for the holistic choice that I made.
It is my hope that the beautiful young lady I saw light up when her step father entered the room has people around her to help her make those same important choices.
God’s speed Maia, thank you for being brave enough to open up.
I believe there is more than simple Bipolar disorder present. Unfortunately, mental ailments are hard to diagnose and today’s therapists are quick to label everything as being Bipolar. They have just realized the degrees of Bipolar Disorder and have started categorizing it by bipolar 1 or 2. A lot of times Bipolar disorder is not the only condition present. I personally suffer from the disorder and can recognize signs and can identify when it;s more than what I suffer from. My heart goes out to her because I see her doctors have not found the happy medium for her medication. Personally, I will not ever take their zombie inducing medicine again. Marijuana is really the best option for many but right now I choose to stay drug free. I hate how Bipolar disorder is presented now and how it’s the common diagnosis. Despite all this publicity for this problem, this chemical imbalance, people still treat it as being "moody" or something that is not serious! Trust me, it is a real problem and can cause many problems to those that suffer with the condition. I hope someone really addresses her other underlying problems so that she can truly begin to heal. Oh and that Iyanla lady irks me. I hate quacks with a passion and I can hear her quacking from here!
i cant stand her one liners, who says "bejesus" if you believe in God? i mean really? yeah she even look like a duck, can someone give this woman some braces? lol lol lol
hold up..hold up..hold up..why is maia living in a facility??? do she burn shit up or something that she can’t live alone or with her family? WOW….shit is real out here with mental issues! i will pray for her healing and deliverance, she can get past this if she put her mind to it.
now on to iyanla van-stat! lol i like her, BUT i don’t like some of her tactics, i didn’t really like the one she did with evelyn lozada, i think that both of them needed ratings i mean it came at a time RIGHT WHEN EVE got head butted so that is why it didn’t feel real for me. so…yeah i think iyanal should have done this one behind closed doors…i mean what happ to confidentiality between patient and doctor? iyanla need to take a step back and reevaaluate her own life and the show in general. maybe stick to people whom she dont know..but perfect the show it needs some tweeking.
You made this ignorant comment more than a year ago, but I’m replying to clear up any misconceptions for those who may come across this article. Mental illness is just as real as any physical illness. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean people don’t suffer from it. And it’s certainly not something that just goes away "if you put your mind to it." Would you say that to someone with cancer? Probably not. Contrary to popular belief in the black community, mental illness is not something you can just pray away. It’s not something that’s made up. It’s a life-threatening and often fatal condition, especially in the black community where people don’t seem to understand or offer much support. Educate yourself before you spew ignorance across the internet. God bless Maia and her family as she navigates recovery.