Alexa Ray Joel Thanks Fans, Heading Back To School

Alexa Ray Joel is heading in a new direction in 2010.

“I have many exciting new developments for the New Year,” the singer-songwriter, who was hospitalized for an apparent suicide attempt earlier this month, wrote on her MySpace page — including heading back to school to study psychology.

“Most importantly, to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about: Heartbreak-Related Depression,” she wrote. “Although it does not get much attention in our society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets ‘swept under the carpet.’ I hope to bring this topic more to light… I’m even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and many other afflictions that many of us have had to face.”

Alexa, the daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, was hospitalized in early December after reportedly taking an overdose of pills, resulting in a 911 call.

However, in her MySpace blog, she thanked her fans for standing by her.

“I just wanted to thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love and support,” she wrote. “It’s certainly been a whirlwind of a month, but reading all of your encouraging posts has never failed to cheer me up!!!”