Unpacking the Taboo: Celebrities Speak About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition that interferes with many areas of your life, including your mood, social life and energy levels. Often, individuals who struggle with the condition have difficulties coping with daily life. Embracing the stigma of living with bipolar disorder is undoubtedly hard to handle, but the reality is you’re not alone. In fact, some of your favorite celebrities are affected by this brain-based disorder.

Successful recording artist and mental health advocate Demi Lovato is candid in her struggles with bipolar disorder in the hopes of comforting fans during the dark time they may be going through. After rehab stays and ongoing treatment for mental health, Lovato continues to advocate with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in order to help others who struggle with this widespread condition. By stressing her ability to maintain a full and healthy life, despite being bipolar, she strongly believes that others can do the same.

Through proper diagnosis and continued treatment, mania and bipolar disorder can be managed. Studies have indicated a significant increase in treatment and diagnosis in the past decade alone. After living with the consequences of bipolar disorder for over 10 years, Mariah Carey bravely decided to seek treatment, enabling the pop sensation to piece her life back together. By accepting help for bipolar disorder, she is once again a successful and balanced person.

Self-acceptance is key to a healthy relationship with yourself, no matter the struggles in your life. Receiving an accurate diagnosis can help you understand and cope with your condition much better. Well-loved comedian Russell Brand’s mental condition was inaccurately diagnosed for years, leading to self-medication and illegal drugs. His addiction spun him into a turbulent path of drugs, unsafe sex and a whirlwind of personal troubles. Finally, diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder, the funny man remains in treatment and is back on the path to fulfillment.

While treatment doesn’t control all bipolar episodes, misdiagnosis and lack of treatment can lead to dangerous consequences. Occurring in approximately 1-2.6% of the American population, bipolar disorder has the tendency to produce creativity, but it is a double-sided coin. When untreated, the brain disorder may lead to a harmful behavior cycle and/or drug abuse. If you or a loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder, schedule a consultation with top New York Psychiatrist Dr. Fieve at Fieve Psychiatry Center in NYC by calling our office at (212) 249-1600.