Catherine Zeta Jones opens up about her struggle with bipolar disorder
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When Catherine Zeta-Jones received a recent diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, a mental illness marked by prolonged periods of depression alternating with episodes of mild mania, she didn’t hesitate to step forward with the news.
“This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them,” the actress, 41, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement in this week’s cover story. “If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.”
In early April, the Oscar-winning wife of actor Michael Douglas, 66, and mom to son Dylan, 10, and daughter Carys, 8, checked in to Silver Hill Hospital, a mental-health facility in New Canaan, Conn.
Shaken by Douglas’s battle with throat cancer, Zeta-Jones was privately struggling, a friend says. As Douglas recovered, Zeta-Jones didn’t – and with her new movie, the romantic comedy Playing the Field, slated to start shooting in Louisiana, the actress realized she needed help in the face of mounting depression.
“The simple things would just seem overwhelming, like going out to dinner,” says the close friend. “There was just a little piece of her chipped away. It was hard to watch because I knew how hard she was trying.”
Do you ever get the feeling like you’ve got a little of everything? I swear – if the definition of being bipolar is “prolonged periods of depression alternating with episodes of mild mania” then I’ve definitely got it! Who doesn’t? I also think I may have ADHD as well, because I also have “a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination”. Do you think our society is quick to “diagnose”!? I mean everyone I know has a bit of the crazies. Doesn’t everyone have bouts of depression? If you don’t, lie to me.
Either way – good for Catherine coming forward and admitting she’s struggling with bipolar disorder. After dealing with the cancer of her husband, it makes perfect sense. I think anyone would struggle with all that stress!
Catherine had checked herself into a mental health facility, and apparently she stayed less than a week (that’s all it takes?).
Tags: Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at 8:08am
Filed under Catherine Zeta Jones | 1 Comment
April 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 am
Well one thing is for sure, Both Catherine and Michale has had a rough time health wise, and I hope with the second chances that they have been given in life and all the support they have receieved that they have a new found appreciation for life and others.