Catherine Zeta-Jones has announced that she recently checked herself into a mental health facility for treatment of bipolar II disorder. She and her husband, actor Michael Douglas, have experienced some very stressful events during the past year. Michael had been diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, which he has successful beaten and they also have had to deal with Michael's ex filing a lawsuit trying to receive income Michael had earned on the latest installment to a movie sequel he made. Not to mention the added stress of her stepson's addiction and jail sentence.
Yes, those challenges are enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Bipolar disorder is often recognized after a person goes through a stressful period in their lives. Have several stressful events happen and it can break you down physically and emotionally.
Some critics of mental illness say that disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression are over diagnosed. People who are not personally touched by a mental illness either by experiencing it first-hand or dealing with a family member are ignorant to how real mental illness is.
It cannot be controlled by your will and if you are diagnosed with a mental illness it does not mean that you are a "weak" person. It takes a strong person to admit that they cannot cope and need help with their lives.
Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I. In bipolar II patients, the low moods last longer. There is an episode of mania or elated mood but patients have longer periods of deep depression. Bipolar or as it was more commonly known, manic depression is a mood disorder where patients cycle between periods of elated mood (called mania) and periods of deep depression.
Treatment for bipolar II is a combination of mood stabilizers such as Lithium and therapy to help the patient learn how to cope with the extremes in their moods. Bipolar I and II can be successfully treated. Although most people do not have the luxury of checking themselves into a mental health facility to get properly diagnosed and start treatment as Catherine Zeta-Jones did, her speaking about getting treatment will help to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
Bringing bipolar II into the mainstream is a good thing. The average person may learn about this disorder and those who are suffering may feel more comfortable about seeking help for this very treatable disorder.
Personally I love it when a celebrity is open about being human. I am sorry for Catherine and her family. Bipolar II (and all kinds of bipolar) is a life-long disorder that can be challenging to treat. Anyone who has been diagnosed or loves someone who has bipolar disorder can learn how to live with bipolar disorder .
There will be highs and lows as the patient learns how to cope. Sometimes it does feel hopeless. There are many who live successfully in spite of their diagnosis. I hope that Catherine Zeta-Jones will be one of these people. It will only encourage those who have bipolar to believe that life after your diagnosis can be good.
Yes, those challenges are enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Bipolar disorder is often recognized after a person goes through a stressful period in their lives. Have several stressful events happen and it can break you down physically and emotionally.
Some critics of mental illness say that disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression are over diagnosed. People who are not personally touched by a mental illness either by experiencing it first-hand or dealing with a family member are ignorant to how real mental illness is.
It cannot be controlled by your will and if you are diagnosed with a mental illness it does not mean that you are a "weak" person. It takes a strong person to admit that they cannot cope and need help with their lives.
Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I. In bipolar II patients, the low moods last longer. There is an episode of mania or elated mood but patients have longer periods of deep depression. Bipolar or as it was more commonly known, manic depression is a mood disorder where patients cycle between periods of elated mood (called mania) and periods of deep depression.
Treatment for bipolar II is a combination of mood stabilizers such as Lithium and therapy to help the patient learn how to cope with the extremes in their moods. Bipolar I and II can be successfully treated. Although most people do not have the luxury of checking themselves into a mental health facility to get properly diagnosed and start treatment as Catherine Zeta-Jones did, her speaking about getting treatment will help to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
Bringing bipolar II into the mainstream is a good thing. The average person may learn about this disorder and those who are suffering may feel more comfortable about seeking help for this very treatable disorder.
Personally I love it when a celebrity is open about being human. I am sorry for Catherine and her family. Bipolar II (and all kinds of bipolar) is a life-long disorder that can be challenging to treat. Anyone who has been diagnosed or loves someone who has bipolar disorder can learn how to live with bipolar disorder .
There will be highs and lows as the patient learns how to cope. Sometimes it does feel hopeless. There are many who live successfully in spite of their diagnosis. I hope that Catherine Zeta-Jones will be one of these people. It will only encourage those who have bipolar to believe that life after your diagnosis can be good.
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