The potential impact of the COVID-19 on the mental health of people can be viewed as the fourth wave of the pandemic. The cases of people diagnosed with depression and other mental illness has been rising ever since the pandemic outbreak. This has also added the number of suicide cases across the world. Be it common people or famous faces, the gravity of mental illness is felt by almost everyone.
One such illness is Bipolar Disorder. It is a mental state characterized by extreme shifts in mood. The common symptoms of bipolar disorder are extremely elevated moods called mania which may include episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder is also known as bipolar disease or manic depression. An individual having bipolar mental state has problems managing everyday tasks/chores and having problems in maintaining relationships.
‘Celebrity life’ is often viewed as luxurious and attractive. Though it’s difficult to confirm if famous people have bipolar disorder, this condition crops up more often among artists, singers, poets, and celebrities. Many celebrities with mental illness, both now and in years past, are thought to have had bipolar disorder.
Here’s a look at famous faces with bipolar disorder:
Marilyn Monroe
She was a legendary American actress, model, and singer. Famous for playing comic “blonde bombshell” characters. The beautiful actress suffered from manic depression and had terrible mood swings. There is a lot of mystery surrounding her life and death and rumours had always been rife about her alcohol and drug problem.
Russell Brand
Brand is a British comedian, actor, and activist. He has made his struggle with bipolar disorder a central focus of his public persona, often referencing it in his performances and writing. He’s known for speaking openly about instability in his past. He withstood an unhappy childhood, a heroin and crack habit, bulimia, and sex addiction.
Demi Lovato
Singer Demi Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she entered rehab at age 22. Before her diagnosis, she had struggled with bulimia, drug addiction, and cutting. She has chosen to use her fame to help eliminate the stigma and advocate for treatment, taking part in a campaign called “Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health” in 2015.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001. She went public with her diagnosis in April 2018 in an interview with People magazine, saying that she now feels she is in a good place managing her mental health.
Maurice Benard
Maurice Benard was diagnosed with bipolar after a major breakdown at age 22. Benard is a spokesperson for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. He reminds people about the importance of treatment, saying if he doesn’t take his medication, lithium, he has a breakdown.
Yo-Yo Honey Singh
The popular Indian RAP singer confessed that he slipped into social isolation following his confrontation with the disorder. The whole experience for Yo-Yo was scary and difficult as he also was an alcoholic. He has fought a long and very difficult battle with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. To quote him “It was scary”– the one year in darkness.
Kurt Cobain
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994 at age 27. He suffered from substance abuse in addition to having mental health problems. There was also a history of suicide in his family.
Winston Churchill
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s doctor, Lord Moran, wrote in his memoir “Winston Churchill: The Struggle for Survival” that he had diagnosed the prime minister with bipolar disorder. Despite his battles, or perhaps because of it, Churchill was a man of immense accomplishments.
