12 Famous People with Bipolar Disorder


It is a mental disorder that manifests as episodes of extreme joy or depression. The combination of genetics, the environment, and changes in the brain's structure and chemical composition could all contribute to developing bipolar disease. However, the reason is still unknown. The signs of a manic episode could include excess, the environment and changes in the brain's chemical structure, saving energy, a decrease in the need to sleep, and an inability to connect with reality. People suffering from depression may feel depressed, irritable, and bored with their routines. Suicidal thoughts can result from mood disorders that last a few days and several months. Most of the time, the treatment spans all of one's life and includes a mix of psychotherapy and medicine.

Find these 12 Famous People with Bipolar Disorder

1. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, a former Disney actor who was first famous for her role on the tv program Wizards of Waverly Place, revealed in April 2020 that she has bipolar disorder. "Recently, I was in one of the top psychological health centers located in America, McLean Hospital (associated with Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts) and I shared that, after years of suffering from many different issues, I realized that I was bipolar," Gomez revealed in a conversation with Elle.

2. Ye (Kanye West)

Before he changed his name to Ye, he was known as Kanye West. He's considered as one of the best hip-hop artists of all time. He has received 22 Grammy Awards. In the 2019 interview by David Letterman, the Grammy-winning rapper spoke openly and honestly about the struggles of having to suffer from bipolar disorder. "I feel closer to the universe when I'm gaining. A health problem exists, Ye declared. He compared his experience with bipolar disorder to "having a damaged brain," similar to having an injured ankle.

3. Mariah Carey

In 2018 in an interview with People, the biggest pop star, Mariah Carey, disclosed that she has suffered from bipolar 2 for nearly 20 years. The platinum-selling artist revealed to People magazine that she didn't think she could accept her diagnosis when she was first diagnosed in 2001 following an admission to a hospital for mental and physical health issues. But, the pressure of concealing her illness and constant worry that someone might find out, in addition to a challenging two years, which included breaking the engagement she had made to billionaire James Packer, eventually convinced Carey to seek help to open up about her experiences.

4. Pete Wentz

Pete Wentz is a member of the well-known band Fall Out Boy, best recognized for its singles "Sugar We're Going to the Bottom" and "Dance Dance." However, despite his acclaim, Wentz was having internal issues at the beginning of the group.

In an interview in 2015 with Howard Stern on SiriusXM, Wentz described his twenties as a particularly turbulent time. To combat his symptoms from what he later found out was bipolar disorder, he confessed to taking self-medicating during his road in the band Fall Out Boy.

5. Catherine Zeta-Jones

After a difficult time in her private life, Catherine Zeta-Jones was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, which is a form of bipolar disorder that causes prolonged depression episodes. After enduring a lot of stress because of her husband, Michael Douglas, fighting stage IV throat cancer, she had a time of mood fluctuation. A dispute with Douglas, the first wife of his royalties earned from his film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," caused tension. The disorder is usually triggered due to stress.

Zeta-Jones has been transparent regarding her disorder. She has been working to reduce mental illness stigma and inform others to seek help.

6. Demi Lovato

The singer Demi Lovato went to rehab at 22 years old doctors found out she had bipolar disorder. She was battling bulimia, cutting, and drug addiction before her diagnosis.

She opted to participate in the "Be Vocal Speak Out in Support of Mental Health" campaign to increase her fame for advocating mental illness and combat stigma.

Lovato said she wants women to understand that "it's achievable to feel your life will be well-being, feel great and also be happy."

7. Frank Sinatra

American actor, singer, and actor Francis (Frank) Albert Sinatra was among the most famous and influential musicians of the 20th century.

His popularity has never diminished throughout his career, beginning as a teenage idol to his illustrious career in films as well as on the stage. Sinatra was the leading actor on stage in Las Vegas and sold more than 150 million albums. He was awarded his Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in From Here to Eternity.

8. Jean-Claude Van Damme

The star of the films "Bloodsport" and "Timecop," Jean-Claude Van Damme, was divorced four times and battled an addiction to cocaine. He was arrested for driving while impaired and was accused of domestic violence. When he hit low points, he was eventually diagnosed with a bipolar illness that cyclists rapidly.

Bipolar disorder is present in many types, such as cyclothymia mixed bipolar, rapid-recycling, and bipolar I and II. Energy loss, trouble getting enough sleep, and trouble focusing are typical signs, as is euphoria.

9. Mariah Carey

She was an American artist, singer, and actor. She is also a record producer, actor, and businessperson. Mariah Carey received her first diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2001. When she spoke to People magazine in April 2018, she discussed her diagnosis and said she believes she's managing her mental health well.

She explained that she had previously been in seclusion and denial and was constantly afraid of being exposed.

10. Rene Russo

Producer, actress, and former model Rene Marie Russo is from the United States. After observing her life as "stop and go," Russo remarked, "I was actually stricken after hitting a wall and could not get up." I initially thought it might be depression but taking antidepressants for bipolar illness causes the symptoms to get more severe.

It's okay, and she said she addressed all those who have issues and may feel embarrassed about using drugs. It's possible to make it through. Even though it's difficult, you'll be successful.

11. Russell Brand

Russell Brand, a British stand-up comedian, and actor famous for his outrageous humor and public outbursts, was treated for depression while he was younger. He was battling binge eating, which is not common among males, and while young, he began drinking alcohol and taking narcotics.

Brand stopped using narcotics in 2002. He completed his 12-year recovery in the year 2014. In the years since he was battling his addiction, he partnered with others and helped fund Focus 12, a British drug rehabilitation program. Brand suffers from bipolar disorder along with ADHD. Bipolar disorder is often referenced in his writing and his performances.

12. Stephen John Fry

An English comedian, actor, and writer, Stephen John Fry, spoke out about his battle with bipolar disorder during The BBC documentary The Secret Life of The Manic Depressive.

Fry was unaware of the illness until he reached 37. He was happy to be diagnosed with the condition that could finally make sense of his life-long episodes of depression and mania and counter them. Fry has since worked to educate the public about mental illness and present a more precise description of mental disease.

Updated on: 01-Feb-2023

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