Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million American adults. Yet this mental health condition is still highly stigmatized. That’s why many celebrities who have bipolar have chosen to speak publicly about their experiences.
According to Mayo Clinic, bipolar is a mental health disorder characterized by oscillating emotional highs (categorized as either manic or hypomanic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes). These extreme, unpredictable changes in a person’s mood or behavior often result in disruptions to their life. For example, people experiencing mania may lose sleep and engage in reckless behaviors; on the flip side, people experiencing depression may isolate themselves as they struggle to keep up with life’s demands.
Today, psychiatrists recognize two distinct forms of bipolar: bipolar I and bipolar II. People who receive a diagnosis of bipolar I have had at least one manic episode, while people with bipolar II have had a major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no manic episodes. Contrary to popular belief, bipolar II isn’t a “less severe” form of bipolar; the major depression associated with this subset of the condition can be just as serious as mania.
Scientists aren’t totally sure what causes bipolar disorder. However, it does appear to have a heritable component. Regardless, people who have bipolar typically require treatments like therapy or medication to manage their symptoms.
Negative portrayals of people with bipolar in pop culture have contributed to the harmful stigmas surrounding this condition. However, celebrities like Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, and Selena Gomez are using their reach to change that narrative. These days, more and more people are beginning to view bipolar disorder as just that: a treatable mental health disorder, not something to fear or be ashamed of.
Below, read up on eight celebrities who have opened up about their experiences with bipolar disorder.