Famous people with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression, is a serious mental illness that causes swings in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. Approximately 5 million Americans are diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. Some of the most famous celebrities in our society have confessed to having bipolar disorder.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are more severe than the usual ups and downs that people experience. People with bipolar disorder, have a basic overall feeling, or mood, which alternates 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 irritable, angry 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; loss of  interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed; feelings of guilt and hopelessness; thoughts of suicide; change in appetite ( eating more or eating less); change in sleep habits (either sleeping more or sleeping less)

Some famous people who have either disclosed to having bipolar disorder or have displayed symptoms of bipolar disorder but remain undiagnosed.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss. Dreyfuss admits that he has a bipolar disorder; he publically acknowledged he used to use cocaine to cope with his bipolar symptoms and went to rehab to battle his cocaine addiction.

Britney Spears was hospitalized for a mental illness it is not confirmed that she has bipolar disorder, but many people believe her erratic behavior showed that she may have been suffering from an undiagnosed dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a substance abuse problem. Actor Mel Gibson  also talked about his battle with bipolar disorder. Heavy Metal singer Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 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, states that she has struggled with bipolar disorder as a young adult and used drugs and alcohol to self medicate her symptoms.

There so much stigma and shame attached to mental illness that many people often do not want to disclose their symptoms or diagnosis. But with proper treatment recovery from bipolar disorder, like many mental illnesses is possible.  The majority of people with a mental disorder can often return to their normal way of life and continue to prosper and live productive lives.