Bipolar disorder is more common than not in the USA. Studies show that about 2.5% of the adult population aging from 18 and above mostly show symptoms of being Bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is a series of episodes where a person experiences N number of mood swings, extreme heights of depression and manic high energy levels. Science hasn’t been able to discover the exact cause or reason behind developing such a condition, but a combination of genes, environmental factors, unique brain structure and chemistry play a vital play.
Mood swing episodes are the most dangerous once as they can last days to months and most of the time people experiencing these mood swings have suicidal thoughts Manic episodes are those episodes where a person experiences high energy, does not feel the need to sleep or rest and they always lose the sense of reality.
Depressive episodes are like losing interest in every aspect of life. They experience low energy, low motivation, lack of apitite and loss of interest in daily activities.
The treatment plan for this disorder is usually lifelong and in very few cases has a person completely recovered. But in most cases the person must live with the disorder and follow through the treatment process which mainly involves medications and regular psychotherapy.
11 Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder.
Is there a reason why it seems like people who are in creative fields like singers, songwriters, artists and TV personalities are impacted more. While their stardom may or may not be the cause of their disorder, the limelight sure doesn’t help their condition.
Having paparazzi follow your every move, being papped left, right and center, handle both good and bad press, maintain a good public image, can’t have a private life off camera and deal with fans. We can only imagine, with these many reasons, why celebrities are more prone to specific mental illnesses like bipolar disorder than non-famous people.
1. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is mostly known for her songs. She’s an American singer songwriter and also an actress. She made an appearance in a TV series called “Barney & Friends” which is a children’s show. She rose to fame for playing ”Mitchie Torres” in a musical Tv film Camp Rock.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the year 2011 when she was 19 years old. She then started rehab at the age of 22 , prior to which she suffered with bulimia nervosa i.e eating disorder, drug addiction and self harm.
2. Britney Spears
The “Princess of Pop”, Britney Spears is an american singer who was the teen pop sensation during the late 1990’s and the early 2000’s. Her debut single “Baby One More Time” topped all charts making it the best-selling single. She gave us consecutive hits and her songs till date remain iconic.
In the year 2007, after she had a public meltdown from shaving her own head right in front of cameras. After a series of relapses, she lost custody of her 2 sons. Not being able to digest this news, she locked herself with her youngest son in the bathroom for 3 hours straight.
She was then accompanied by a team of medical professionals to go to a mental health facility for her treatment. She was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and most of them still blame her condition on her split with her then husband “Justin Timberlake”.
3. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is known as the “Songbird Supreme” by Guinness World Records for her amazing vocal range, unique tone and singing style. She is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
She was diagnosed in the year 2001 but she didn’t believe it and lived in denial for years and also isolated herself from her reality. She publicly accepted her condition in April 2018 and is said to be taking therapy sessions and medication.
4. Kanye West
There is no denying that Kanye West is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, who holds a record of 160 million records sales. He has won 24 Grammy Awards and was nominated for 75. He is not only known as an American rapper, singer songwriter and record producer but also a fashion designer and entrepreneur. He is also widely known for his relationship with Kim Kardashian.
West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016 but said it was a misdiagnosis until 2018 during his “Ye” album era. Even though he has been vocal about his mental health, he has gone back and forth on this matter. In December 2022, he suggested that he may be autistic and that could be the reason for such a behavior.
5. Selena Gomez
The American singer, actress and producer, Selena Gomez is well known for her amazing songs. She’s also a businesswomen who owns her own beauty brand “Rare Beauty” that is doing amazing in the market.
She first disclosed her bipolar diagnosis in April 2020 on Miley Cyrus’s Instagram Live show “Bright Minded.” She later on expressed her relief from getting the diagnosis as it helped her find reason for her actions at times. She now goes to therapy, does tons of workbooks, writes music and tries to keep her surroundings positive and deal with it the best way she can.
Also Read: Top 10 Selena Gomez’s Tattoos And The Meaning Behind Them.
6. Halsey
The famous American singer and songwriter who is noted for her distinctive singing voice, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane professionally known as Halsey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 17 when she attempted suicide. She spent weeks in a psychiatric hospital during her senior year. She said in an interview “I was an adolescent; I didn’t know what I was doing. Because I was 17, I was still in a children’s ward, which was terrifying.”
Halsey is now a mental health advocate and always tries to bring awareness about the importance of mental health. During her promotion of her song “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God ” , when asked her mantra , she said and I quote “Achieving mental health doesn’t happen. Mental health isn’t a destination. You never arrive at mental healthy and go, ‘OK, I’m glad I got here.’”
7. Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain was an American musician who was the co-founder of the rock band Nirvana. He was also the lead vocalist, guitarist and the primary songwriter for his band.
Kurt Cobain had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) from a young age. It was much later in his life that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The artist committed suicide and the body was found after days by an electrician who had come to install the security system. Reports estimated that he may have died on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27.
8. Carrie Fisher
“Princess Leia” character in the Star Wars was played by Carrie Fisher and she owned it. The actress publicly discussed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. She even nicknamed her mood swings “Roy” (the manic wild ride) and “Pam” ( the sobbing depressing one). She died of heart attack on December 23, 2016.
Also Read: The 5 Most Addictive Drugs.
9. Sinéad O’Connor
The Irish-born singer and songwriter, Sinéad O’Connor burst onto the music industry in 1990 with the single “Nothing Compares 2 U ” which did wonders. She was disclosed to have had bipolar disorder during an interview in the year 2007. In the year 2017, Sinéad posted a video stating that she was alone and suicidal, living in a Travelodge in the state of New Jersey. A couple of days later, she was bought back and living with her loved one’s surrounding her. She died on July 26, 2023, cause of death is still unknown.
10. Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson is an American actor, director, and producer who is best known for his action hero roles in movies like “Braveheart” and “The Patriot.” In a documentary released in the year 2008 called “Acting Class of 1977”, he talks about his manic episodes (A type of bipolar disorder).
Also Read: Top 10 Male Country Singers of All Time – How Many Do You Remember?
11. Bebe Rexha
The singer-songwriter publically announced her bipolar disorder on twitter. She did so on the occasion when her song “Meant to be ” was nominated for a Grammy. She tweeted saying “I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed anymore,” and also stated that “This next album will be my favorite album ever because I’m not holding anything back.”
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that should never be neglected. Regardless of what society thinks, you as an individual are to bear the consequences of your actions. So, think wise, seek help and take measures at the earliest.
Many creative people have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With proper treatment and medication, they can manage their symptoms and continue to work in their respective fields, create inspiring art, films, and music.
