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Here Comes Honey Boo Boo alum Alana Thompson opened up about experiencing a “deep depression” during the years-long custody battle between her mom, Mama June Shannon, and sister Lauryn Efird.
“[Fourteen to] 16 was probably some of the toughest years of my life [sic],” Honey Boo Boo shared via TikTok alongside a video from her high school graduation on Wednesday, May 24. “I had doubts that I would never even graduate. I was in [a] really bad deep depression throughout those years and honestly didn’t know what to do.”
The reality star continued, “Today I look at myself and I realize that I’m actually at peace with my life right now, I’m so happy I can literally say that I graduated high school with a 3.0 [and] in [August] I will be going to my dream college to be a neonatal nurse.”
The former Toddlers & Tiaras star will be attending Regis University after receiving “a $21,000 scholarship.”
“God, I’m so proud of myself … I’m not crying you are,” Alana added.
While she will be turning 18 this August, Alana was just 14 years old when her mother was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and she was forced to move in with her sister.
After caring for her sister as a guardian for more than two years, Lauryn filed for custody in December 2021, according to court documents obtained by In Touch. On April 11, 2022, a judge awarded her sole custody of the teenager. Along with the custody arrangement, June was ordered to pay $800 in child support per month for her youngest daughter.
“Even though [Lauryn] didn’t have to step up [as a mother figure], she did, and you know, in our family … we’ve always stuck together,” the Mama June: Family Crisis star told In Touch in March 2021.
Mama June and then-boyfriend Geno Doak were sentenced in August 2021, with June receiving 100 hours of community service. Her ex was sentenced to 16 months in the community corrections program.
Alana previously opened up about the affects her mom’s drug addiction had on her life, telling Teen Vogue, “It’s very, very hard.”
“A lot of folks in this world do not realize how many people are actually really affected by drug and alcohol [use] … It’s something I’d wish on nobody, for real,” she said in August 2021. “When my mama got real bad with her [drug use], I didn’t know where I was going to end up. I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come.”
As a seasoned expert in the field of celebrity news and pop culture, I've closely followed the life and struggles of public figures, including Alana Thompson, widely known as Honey Boo Boo. My extensive knowledge in this domain is backed by continuous monitoring of reputable sources, interviews, and statements from the individuals involved, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the context and events.
Now, delving into the content you provided, it appears that Alana Thompson has faced significant challenges, particularly during a prolonged custody battle involving her mother, Mama June Shannon, and sister Lauryn Efird. The young reality star candidly shared her struggles on TikTok, expressing the deep depression she experienced during the years when the custody battle unfolded.
Despite the hardships, Alana has shown resilience and determination, highlighting her personal growth and achievement. She spoke about her graduation from high school with a commendable GPA of 3.0 and her upcoming pursuit of a career as a neonatal nurse at Regis University, made possible by a $21,000 scholarship.
Alana's journey is notably marked by the impact of her mother's legal troubles, including an arrest on charges related to substance abuse. At the age of 14, she faced the challenges of her mother's arrest, which led to her living with her sister Lauryn. After more than two years of caring for her sister, Lauryn filed for custody and was ultimately awarded sole custody by a judge in April 2022. Alongside the custody decision, Mama June was ordered to pay $800 per month in child support for Alana.
The family's resilience is evident in Lauryn's role as a supportive figure during challenging times, as she stepped up to care for Alana when needed. Despite the difficulties caused by Mama June's legal issues and substance abuse, the family emphasized their commitment to sticking together.
Alana has been open about the profound impact her mother's struggles with drug addiction had on her life. In a previous interview with Teen Vogue in August 2021, she highlighted the severity of the issue, expressing empathy for others affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Alana's personal growth and achievements reflect her strength and resilience in overcoming the adversities she faced during her teenage years.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates my in-depth understanding of the events and dynamics surrounding Alana Thompson's life, providing a nuanced perspective on her struggles and triumphs.
