Bipolar Symptoms

Are You Aware That There Are Many Famous People With Bipolar Mental Illness?

Yes that is true, there are many famous people with bipolar mental illness. Bipolar disorder, previously known as Manic-depressive disorder is a form of mental disorder which can severely affect the day to day functioning of individuals suffering from it. It is usually characterized by extreme shifts in a person's mood leading to mania and long periods of depression. Bipolar disorder can have a serious impact on a person's daily life, bearing upon relationships, performances and in extreme cases resulting in suicides. Bipolar disorder occurs in a wide spectrum of people affecting the famous and commoners alike. In this article we are discussing the famous people with bipolar mental illness.

The bipolar disorder stems from both biological and psychological causes. The symptoms generally show in adolescence though in some people, they are not diagnosed for years. People who suffer from this illness swing between states of extreme euphoria and abject depression. There are the depressive states showing anxiety, despair, lack of interest in previously preferred activities, thoughts of suicide followed by periods of restless energy, loss of sleep, irritability and provocative behavior. With about 5.7 million adult Americans of age 18 and above suffering from this debilitating disorder, when cases of famous people with bipolar mental illness come up, it indeed becomes inspirational. Actors and actresses like Ben Stiller, Vivien Leigh, Ned Beatty, authors like Robert Boorstin, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, singers like Bobbie Brown are all famous people with bipolar mental illness.

Hollywood celebrity, actor, director, producer Mel Gibson is also known to be suffering from this disease. The star of blockbuster movies like 'Lethal Weapon' and the Oscar winning 'Braveheart' which has had an extensive career in Hollywood garnering much love and respect. But controversies and allegations have also hounded this troubled star -getting involved in anti-Semitic tirades and being arrested for drunken driving. Is this an example of famous people with bipolar mental illness?

Comedian and actor Robin Williams is known for his delightful comedies in movies like 'The Birdcage', 'Mrs. Doubtfire' as well as dramatic portrayals in movies like 'Dead Poets Society', 'What Dreams May Come'. Though not publicly acknowledged, the funnyman actor with his high energy mannerisms and performances is sometimes thought of to be having the disorder. The Robin Williams bipolar illness is a hotly discussed debate.

Bipolar disorder affects indiscriminatingly the famous and the ordinary. Famous people with bipolar mental Illness and their very public struggle with the disease are filling ordinary people with hope. Though it is a lifelong disease, with medication and psychological therapies its symptoms can be treated and moderated. As more and more famous people with bipolar mental Illness come forward with their stories, there is a real chance of fighting the disease better.