Catherine Zeta-Jones opens up on bipolar disorder

By Eleanor Young on Thursday 21 April 2011

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Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones has spoken out about suffering with bipolar II disorder, just weeks after being treated for an American rehab clinic, revealing there is 'no need to suffer silently.'

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES SYLE HISTORY

Speaking to American magazine People, the actress opened up on her battle with the disease and how she hopes to help others by stepping forward.

‘This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them,’ Catherine told the magazine in an exclusive statement.

‘If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it.

‘There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.’

It’s thought that she checked in to private psychiatric hospital Silver Hill in Connecticut, for five days.

Reports suggest Catherine’s bout of depression was brought on by the stress of helping her husband Michael Douglas battle an aggressive form of throat cancer and gruelling chemotherapy last year. The trauma of the ordeal is thought to have left her struggling to cope with every day life.

‘The simple things would just seem overwhelming, like going out to dinner,’ a friend revealed. ‘There was just a little piece of her chipped away. It was hard to watch because I knew how hard she was trying.’

A spokesman has confirmed she is now ‘feeling great’ and hard at work alongside Uma Thurman and Gerard Butler on new flick Playing The Field.

And yesterday, Catherine’s husband Michael Douglas revealed how 'proud' he wasof the way the star has tackled her troubles.

‘It takes a lot of courage to seek help and I am proud of Catherine for doing something positive about her situation,’ he said. It's onwards and upwards for us.’

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES STYLE HISTORY

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Thursday 21 April 2011

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It's good to see someone with bipolar who has a healthy marriage and well established and successful career, in the media talking about this horrid disease.

I have bipolar and lead a successful and fulfilling life. I have my moments where, like Catherine, things get tough for a while but it's not all about being out of control and Britney style antics.

I was surprised to learn that Catherine suffers from bipolar and I am very please she has chosen to be open about it. Hopefully this will help to diminish the stereotype that we are all crazy.

Comment by Sarah on April 21 13:13

I think it's great she's spoken out about it, the more coverage on how prevalent mental illness is, the less taboo it becomes! I hope she recovers well from her latest bout of depression. I do however giggle at the comment, "The simple things would just seem overwhelming, like going out to dinner." I dream of the day that going out to dinner is part of my everyday life!x
Comment by emma on April 21 15:14