You might remember Amanda Bynes from your elementary school days, when she played Judge Trudy on her self-titled sketch show. But nowadays, she's sitting on the other side of the courtroom. Her downward spiral was first publicly recognized in April, thanks to her pink-haired mug shot that TMZ cleverly described as "to dye for"-and her trouble doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.

The 26-year-old former actress-that's right, she "retired" in September 2012-was never slated to travel down a path of destruction. In 2007, she told Access Hollywood, "I like being with my family and friends, and I don't need to be out at the clubs." Even in a 2009 interview with Cosmopolitan, she admitted to enjoying nightlife while still keeping her priorities in check: "I'm finding a balance. I can have a drink and dance if I want." It was this honesty that kept her wholesome and makes her recent breakdown all the more saddening.

Her infamous mug shot was accompanied by a DUI arrest and rumors that she had sideswiped a police car-but Hollywood and beyond didn't think anything of it. "An unfortunate end to an irresponsible night-now she'll remember to take a cab home next time!" was the general response of the public.

Since then, Bynes has been charged with two hit-and-runs, in mid-April and August, during which she failed to exchange insurance information and call the police before leaving the scenes. Bynes' response? Randomly tweeting President Barack Obama back in June, writing: "I don't drink ... Please fire the cop who arrested me. I also don't hit and run" (FYI, the president has yet to assist Bynes with her legal battles).

At that point, her spiral was only just beginning to pick up force. To do a little "Amanda's September" recap: Her license was suspended by the DMV, her car was impounded, and she has been incessantly compared to notoriously troubled former teen star Lindsay Lohan. So, naturally, in came the mental meltdown.

It began on Sept. 17, when TMZ reported that the bubbly Penny Pingleton from the 2007 film Hairspray locked herself in a dressing room for nearly two hours during a shopping trip. She yelled to employees that she "needed more time" in the room-and then almost left the store without paying for a bathing suit top that she said she forgot she was wearing.

Then, US Weekly reported that a few days later while attending a spin class, Bynes stopped mid-class to take off her shirt, revealing her strapless, push-up bra. She then proceeded to fix her make-up in the mirror for a few minutes, re-clothe herself and leave.

But the most upsetting part of the whole situation: Bynes herself is in ultimate denial. On Sept. 19 she told PEOPLE magazine, "I'm doing amazing. ... I don't drink and drive. [The DUI allegations are] all false." I wish I could say I believe her.
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