Cheryl Burke Opens Up About Family Loss & True Friendship In Mental Health Update

Cheryl Burke has learned so much from the death of her stepsister. 

In a recent mental health update with her 738k followers, the "Dancing with the Stars" alum opened up about how "life just keeps moving forward" even when one is dealing with the most difficult moments of their life. Despite the pain, the biggest change for Burke came when she launched her podcast, "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans," earlier this year.

After months of keeping things to herself, Burke opted to give her fans and followers a little breakdown into what has been happening in her life. For this, she wore a wine-colored turtleneck outfit, gold earrings, and a face full of makeup. She set up her phone's camera in a room with multiple shelves and pictures and began:

"So much honestly has happened in the last few months in my life. From grieving my stepsister's shocking death that happened this past August, which is honestly all I'll say right now about that."

She shared that the incident had reminded her about the brevity of life and the constant change in friendships. In her words:

"What I've realized as I evolve is that people in your life come and go. Whether that be because of an actual death occurring or even when it comes to a death of friendship, a death of co-workers even, acquaintances, family members, pets; life just keeps moving forward. And I've experienced this as my life has evolved."

On the evolution of her friendships, Burke disclosed that her circle of friends had changed from when she "used to party seven nights a week," to when she quit drinking to become sober, to when she retired from "DWTS," and even when she relocated from Los Angeles.

After noting that "the change that has done the most" was starting her podcast, the 39-year-old continued saying, "Even though that feeling of loss still makes me feel sad and disappointed to this day, I know that I've learned something valuable which I will take with me for the rest of my life."

The dancer added that while viewers can know their friends when they are up, knowing their "true friends" happens in their lowest moments. To wrap up, the "I Can Do That" runner-up declared:

"Although I'm grieving the loss of those relationships, I know now that life is way too short. Just make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you higher…who root for you as you are who you choose to hang out with. So, choose wisely."

Burke's message seemingly resonated with her fans, who promptly expressed their support in the comment section of the Instagram post. "Oh yes, honey! When the party is over people disappear from your life, but that's ok. There's a time and a season for friends... a small select few is all you need in your tribe," one person responded.

Another commenter typed, "Thank you for sharing. My deepest condolences on the passing of our step-sister." A third Instagram user chimed in with, "I always love hearing your philosophy on life and hope you keep sharing and surrounding yourself with positive people."

In October, the two-time "DWTS" champion had to defend herself against critics after she received some "shocking messages" associated with her takes on "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans." In a video posted to Instagram, she said:

"First off, I deeply apologize to anyone taking offense to any of my comments on my podcast. However, I just want everyone to know my intention is never to be mean. "It's my truth, and it's my opinion, and I am so sorry if it hurt or affected anyone. My opinions, just so everyone knows, are formed based off of my own personal experience and journey on the show."

Highlighting her commitment to honesty, Burke reflected on her "DWTS" tenure, emphasizing her straightforward approach since joining the show at 21. Now working with iHeartMedia, she acknowledged the need to assess the show truthfully, recognizing that not everyone would share the same perspective.

While affirming that others' agreement with her is not her concern, the "Dance Moms" star conveyed well wishes to all contestants, pro-dancers, cast, crew, and everyone involved in DWTS' most recent season, sending them "so much love and light."