In a 2023 podcast, she spoke openly about how difficult her time on the show had been. During those years, she was often shamed for her weight, receiving “shocking” reactions to her character.

In her youth, the actress spent hours reading harsh comments on YouTube, TMZ, and other platforms, which took a serious toll on her. Over time, she turned to substances and found herself in a cycle of dependency.

“I mean, I didn’t go a day without smoking for, I wanna say, five or six years. So, it was a huge, huge issue for me, and I never knew just how much of a problem it was […],” she admitted.

Although she struggled with various addictions, she described her dependence on marijuana as her “biggest obsession.” While trapped in the cycle of substance abuse, the actress made countless excuses, telling herself it could be worse.

However, at times, her addiction could reach such worrying levels that she wouldn’t get out of bed and just want to hide from the world.

The child star’s battle with addiction was compounded by an eating disorder that had affected her since childhood. Her dependence on marijuana only made this struggle worse, as she couldn’t eat without smoking first.

If she couldn’t smoke, she would sometimes go days without eating, a reality she called “very, very dangerous.” Her addiction didn’t only impact her health but began to impact her relationships, especially with her mother, whom she described as her best friend.

Substances had become her closest companion, pulling her away from those around her. “When I realized it started to affect my relationship with not only my friends but specifically my relationship with my mom, that’s when I knew I had to make a change,” the “Desperate Housewives” star revealed.

She committed to recovery and, at 248 days sober, described life as “lighter and more colorful” than it had ever been. The actress noted, “Things are easier,” recounting a trip to New York where, for the first time, she wasn’t held back by dependency.

She said, “I wasn’t panicking because I was tied down to a substance. I wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, what if I can’t use this? What if I don’t have my crutch?'”

Now free from those concerns, the child star helped others facing similar struggles and found strength in leading by example. She shared, “I have a lot of friends who looked to me and said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go get help, because I saw that you got help, and it changed your life.'”

The actress also drew inspiration from her older half-sister, Demi Lovato, who has openly navigated her own challenges with mental health and addiction. Lovato’s journey — including a near-fatal overdose in 2018 — inspired her to be candid about her experiences.

“She obviously gives me a lot of great sister advice, but I think it’s more powerful to see her in action. I’ve started to share my personal story and I would have never, ever, ever done that if it wasn’t for her,” the child star said of her famous sibling.

She continued, “Her honesty, her bravery, and being an open book, I think that is what drives me.” In June 2019, a social media user caught a glimpse of the half-sisters’ close relationship and shared a photo of the two online.

A Heartbreaking Loss on the Path to Motherhood

On September 6, this “Desperate Housewives” child star shared joyous news on Instagram, announcing her pregnancy in a heartfelt post. She posted snaps surrounded by loved ones, sporting a growing baby bump, and basking in her maternity glow.

The caption read, “Oh Ryan, how I love you. Thank you for making all of my dreams come true. ♥️ Baby Mitchell 10.24.” Lovato also celebrated the news. Thrilled by the idea of becoming an aunt, she shared her enthusiasm during an interview at a screening of her Hulu documentary, “Child Star.”

She shared, “I’m really excited to have new life come into our family. Family is very valued to me. I value family and friends over success any day.”

Just days later, the “Give Your Heart a Break” singer expressed her excitement on social media, writing, “My baby sis is having a baby!! I love you @maddelagarza and I can’t wait to meet your little angel 🥹🖤.”

But in a tragic turn, the child actress’s joy was soon replaced by unimaginable grief. On October 27, she shared the devastating news with her followers on Instagram, revealing that she had endured an emergency C-section and that her daughter, Xiomara, had passed away.

In a heart-wrenching post, she wrote in part, “[…] Ryan and I held our little girl for the first and last time.” This child star and “Desperate Housewives” actress is none other than Madison De La Garza.

After announcing the loss of her daughter, she received an outpouring of condolences and support with one person writing, “When one momma cries all the mommas cry together 😢😢so sorry.”

Another social media user wrote, “May your daughter forever rest in paradise. There are no words.” A third typed, “There are just no words, Madison.” A fourth added, “I’m crying, I’m so sorry 😔.“

De La Garza hasn’t had an easy journey. From battling substance abuse to the recent heartbreaking loss of her baby, she has faced challenges that few could endure. Yet, through it all, she stands as a figure of resilience, surrounded by love and unwavering support in this profoundly difficult time.