Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious medical illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. Approximately 5.7 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder. Out of these millions of people, it’s no surprise that some of the most famous celebrities in our culture have also admitted to having bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Everyone has their ups and downs, but the symptoms of bipolar disorder are much more severe. People with bipolar disorder will shift between episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to weeks to months.
Some of the symptoms exhibited during manic episodes are:
* An extremely elated, happy mood or an extremely irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
* Increased physical and mental activity and energy
* Racing thoughts
* Increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
* Ambitious, often grandiose plans
* Risk taking
* Impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion, and alcohol abuse
* Decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue
Some of the symptoms exhibited during depressive episodes are:
* Loss of energy
* Prolonged sadness
* Decreased activity and energy
* Restlessness and irritability
* Inability to concentrate or make decisions
* Increased feelings of worry and anxiety
* Less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
* Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
* Thoughts of suicide
* Change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
* Change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
Famous People with Bipolar Disorder
The following celebrities have either admitted to having bipolar disorder or have exhibited symptoms of bipolar disorder but remain undiagnosed.
Actor Richard Dreyfuss appeared in a documentary about bipolar disorder where he talked about his life with manic-depression. Dreyfuss admits he used to use cocaine to cope with his bipolar symptoms and went to rehab to battle his cocaine addiction.
Pop star Britney Spears was hospitalized for mental illness. The singer has never confirmed she has bipolar disorder, but many experts believe her erratic behavior around the time of her divorce from Kevin Federline showed that she may have been suffering from an undiagnosed dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a substance abuse problem.
Actor Mel Gibson talked about his battle with bipolar disorder in a 2002 documentary.
Singer Kurt Cobain was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression before he killed himself at the age of 27.
Heavy Metal singer Ozzy Osbourne was diagnoses with bipolar disorder in the early 80s and has been treated for alcoholism and drug abuse.
Singer Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Actress Linda Hamilton, who famously starred in The Terminator, admits she struggled with bipolar disorder as a young adult and used drugs and alcohol to self-medicate her symptoms.
Comedian and actor Russell Brand battled drug addiction for many years before kicking the habit and revealing he was using drugs to cope with bipolar disorder.
Getting Help for Bipolar Disorder
There are so many stigmas and shame attached to mental illness that people, famous or not, often don’t want to come forward with their symptoms or diagnosis. If you think that you suffer from bipolar disorder or know someone who may be, it’s important to seek help and support right away, especially if substance abuse is present. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are dangerous enough without the added stress and health risk of alcohol or drug abuse.
At Casa Palmera, we understand how difficult it is to suffer from a dual diagnosis of mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Our caring staff is highly skilled and trained at helping patients overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol while at the same time addressing the mental health issues underlying the substance abuse. Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Call Casa Palmera today at 888.481.4481.
All info taken from Wikipedia.
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