Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood and energy levels. A person with bipolar disorder experiences periods of mania (elevated moods, increased energy) and periods of depression (feelings of sadness, hopelessness). These mood episodes can last for days, weeks or months and can significantly impact a person's ability to function in their daily life.
Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of American adults each year. It typically develops in the late teens to mid-20s age range, although it can occur at any point in life. The causes of bipolar disorder aren't fully understood, but a combination of genetics, biology, environment and brain structure are thought to play a role.
With proper treatment, which often includes medication combined with psychotherapy, many people with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives. However, without treatment, bipolar disorder can worsen over time and lead to significant problems that impact relationships, careers and overall wellbeing.
Common Signs and Symptoms
There are several types of bipolar disorder that can manifest with different symptoms. However, some common signs of the two main types - bipolar I and bipolar II - include:
- Mania symptoms: increased energy, euphoria, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep, grandiose beliefs, reckless decisions
- Hypomania symptoms: similar to mania but less extreme
- Depression symptoms: sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of interest in activities, suicidal thoughts
The manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar can vary significantly in length and severity between different individuals. Some people may experience long stretches of unstable moods while others see swings that shift more rapidly. Tracking symptoms is an important part of managing the condition.
Public Figures and Bipolar Disorder
A number of actors, musicians and other celebrities have opened up about living with bipolar disorder over the years. Increased visibility and advocacy from public figures has helped to de-stigmatize mental health conditions. Here are some of the influential celebrities who have shared their stories surrounding bipolar disorder.
Selena Gomez
Pop star Selena Gomez revealed a bipolar diagnosis during a 2020 interview. She shared that gaining information about her condition helped her to better understand some of the more challenging experiences she had faced. Gomez has been an advocate around a number of mental health issues like anxiety, depression and body image struggles that many young adults contend with.
Mariah Carey
Legendary singer Mariah Carey first disclosed her bipolar II diagnosis in 2018. She experienced symptoms like insomnia, irritability and low self-esteem earlier in her wildly successful music career but didn't receive a definitive diagnosis until later in life. Carey treats her disorder through medication and therapy sessions.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Academy Award winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has been open about the ways living with bipolar II has impacted her. She has displayed admirable commitment to managing her mental health through lifestyle stability and proactive treatment over the years. After initially trying to conceal her diagnosis, Jones now speaks out to support others facing similar conditions.
Demi Lovato
Singer and former Disney star Demi Lovato lives with bipolar as well as other mental health and substance abuse disorders. They have courageously addressed these deeply personal struggles through activism and in their own music. Lovato spends significant time focusing on self-care routines and personal development practices to help manage the symptoms.
Sinead OConnor
The iconic Irish singer Sinead OConnor rose to fame quickly with her 1990 mega hit song Nothing Compares 2 U. Over the ensuing decades, OConnor has experienced several periods of severe mental health problems in the public eye. She has since disclosed a bipolar diagnosis and become an advocate for better treatment and societal acceptance.
Mel Gibson
Known for action films like the Lethal Weapon series and Braveheart, leading man Mel Gibson has experienced bipolar disorder firsthand. Gibson has faced personal difficulties over the years tied to bipolar mood episodes as well as substance abuse issues. However, when properly managing his mental health, friends have described him as kindhearted and generous.
Carrie Fisher
Beloved for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, the late Carrie Fisher also publicly discussed her experiences living with bipolar disorder. She wrote and spoke extensively about her mental health journey through books and stage shows in hopes it would help break down stigma. Fishers openness has provided comfort and community for many fans.
Linda Hamilton
Best recognized for playing Sarah Connor in the Terminator movies, actress Linda Hamilton disclosed a bipolar diagnosis after experiencing a serious manic episode in the early 1990s. Hamilton believes genetics played a role since other family members also live with mental health conditions. She manages her disorder through medication, therapy and avoiding potential triggers when possible.
Halsey
Nonbinary singer Halsey, best known for their evocative pop music, received multiple misdiagnoses with other mental health conditions before being correctly identified with bipolar disorder. They have become an advocate for better understanding around areas like suicidality, hospitalization and struggling with self-image while managing a mood disorder in the public eye.
Jane Pauley
Veteran broadcast journalist Jane Pauley first began experiencing bipolar symptoms while still appearing as a Today Show host in the 1990s. Colleagues noticed instability that interfered with her work, leading to a diagnosis and months-long hospitalization. Pauley now discusses her journey openly, even authoring a memoir, to reduce the misunderstanding around mental illness.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Bold action film star Jean-Claude Van Damme manages episodes of mania and depression tied to a bipolar diagnosis with medication and regular therapy. The world-famous martial artist has dealt publicly with more severe symptoms around mania, delusion and substance issues while continuing his prolific movie career over several decades.
Support and Acceptance
The celebrities listed above deserve enormous credit for sharing their mental health struggles candidly at the risk of stigma. Despite publicity and fortune, mood disorders can still cause private anguish. Continuing the cultural conversation is hugely impactful for awareness and advancement.
Through their stories, these influential figures join a proven chorus of voices that help to enlighten society, confront misperceptions and empower other people facing similar journeys with bipolar disorder or other mental health challenges. If you or a loved one live with bipolar disorder, know that treatment and support networks make stability and happiness possible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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