B / Catherine Profile

Bipolar doesn't discriminate by beauty: Oscar Winning Catherine Zeta Jones lives with bipolar II.

Speaking to Stylist Magazine UK in 2012 Catherine pointed out the life changing effect diagnosis can have; but thankfully not always for the worst: "As hard as it is, it puts everything into perspective on a personal and professional level. I'm not so consumed about what people think or say, like I used to be. It's made me much more centered and I'm not afraid to say no, and if people don't like that, well, tough.'

Like many bipolar patients who strive to put others before themsevles and neglect their own wellbeing Catherine has learned: "I'm looking out for myself more. We spend a lot of time in our business being nice and giving a lot out to complete strangers. And then you turn around and go, 'Wait a minute, I'm exhausted by this. It's our time now and we should be enjoying every minute".

However, Catherine still hopes to reach out to people through her experience and recently added in People Magazine: "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."

Catherine's case goes to show the up and down nature of bioplar. Despite periods of wellbeing, treatment and maintenance treatment are often necessary for relapses.

Catherine is reportedly back in treatment for "pro-active maintenance treatment":

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2316906/Catherine-Zeta-Jones-checks-treatment-facility-bipolar-disorder-maintenance.html

'This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them,"

- Catherine Zeta Jones

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