Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem that is characterized by changes in mood, activity and energy levels. It can impact an individual’s ability to conduct daily activities and have healthy meaningful relationships.
The National Institute of Mental Health statistics say that 2.6% of American adults have this disorder which usually starts at the age of 25.
The following are some famous people who have this disorder:
Demi Lovato
The singer was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 22 after struggling with depression and eating disorders for many years. Like most people who suffer from this, during the manic or high stage, she would be able to write several songs into the middle of the night.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Another famous person who suffers from this, Van Damme did not know he was suffering from this initially but chanelled his energies into ballet and martial arts which actually helped him cope. When his acting career was launched in 1988 however a downward spiral ensued with four failed marriages and cocaine addiction.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Hollywood actress announced she had bipolar II disorder in 2011 and she believes that her issues were triggered when her husband Michael Douglas was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Carrie Fisher
Most famous for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films in the 70s. Fisher was diagnosed with bipolar at the age of 24. In the beginning before she was diagnosed she used to contain her manic episodes with drugs which she claims made her feel normal.
Amy Winehouse
This singer had a tragic ending, dying at 27 as she struggled with substance abuse and what many believe to be untreated bipolar disorder. She died of a drug overdose and ironically she even wrote a song about her life and struggles titled Rehab.
Kurt Cobain
The Nirvana front man took his life in 1994 also at 27. He was at the time wrongly diagnosed as suffering from depression. He was addicted to drugs for the most part of his short and tragic life and often experienced depression, periods of mania or high activity and fits of rage which are all characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Winston Churchill
Perhaps one of the most famous Prime Ministers of all time, the British Prime Minister used to have down days which he would often term as his ‘black dog’. He would often experience mania, depression and suicide ideation which led him to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder by his doctor in later years.
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