From IMDB:

7 January 2009 5:24 PM, PST

Former U.S. sitcom star Willie Aames is battling back after surviving a suicide attempt on Thanksgiving Day.

The 46-year-old Charles in Charge actor took a cocktail of alcohol and pills and slashed his throat after suffering a breakdown in Los Angeles.

In an interview with Star magazine, Aames reveals he hit rock bottom after he was declared bankrupt; had his car repossessed, and his wife of 22 years, Maylo, asked for a divorce - all within the space of a month.

He fled their Kansas home, rented a room in Los Angeles, and made an attempt on his life.

Aames reveals, "I stole a bottle of Jack Daniel's from the guy I was renting the room from. I'd been sober for 20 years when I took that first drink. I was also taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills. It got so bad, I put a knife to my throat and cut myself in six places.

"The police came, put me in handcuffs and whisked me away. I was completely devastated. I kept asking, 'What did I do wrong?'"

Aames spent time in a California psychiatric ward, but is now out and attempting to start a new life as a furniture builder.

He tells Star, "I hope I can inspire other people with my experiences."

Best of luck Willie.

Are you mocking him, Monika? Sounds to me like he is trying to
straighten his life out.

Where do you get the idea that she might be mocking him?

By that "Oh, No" smilie at the top of her post

That's what I thought but that smilie doesn't mean she's mocking him. Monika's one of the nicest members we have and I seriously doubt she would mock anyone who attempted suicide.

I would NEVER mock anyone who has attempted suicide - because I've been suicidal in my past and still suffer from depression. I put the shaking head icon because I thought it was a very sad story - I've written both Willie and Maylo this past year and have received responses from them (after reading their book - which is outstanding, by the way). I guess I should have just put a sad face icon there. I meant no offense and if I did offend anyone out there, I am very sorry.

(I love Eight Is Enough and everyone who was on the show.)

I am deeply saddened to hear that Willie Aames has gone through all the trauamtic stuff he has - and all within the space of a month. I'm glad someone found him and that Willie has gotten some of the professional care he needed and may still need.

I'm going to say a prayer for him and hope he gets his life and hope back. He is a fine man who had a lot of traumatic stuff thrown at him all at once. He has given much to others; now its his turn to get some of that affection and concern back. I wish him Godspeed and God's grace.