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Britney, bipolar and the media
by bp insider
Have you noticed that the term “bipolar disorder” has been cropping up everywhere in the media? From blogs and daily newspapers to tabloid talk shows and MSNBC, bipolar has emerged as the hot topic.
Most recently, all the talk about bp has been sparked by the saga of dethroned pop princess Britney Spears. As the world follows her erratic behavior—attacking an SUV with an umbrella, shaving her head, and locking herself in a bathroom with her younger son, to name several low-points—it seems that everyone, if not outright diagnosing her mental state, is at least weighing in on it.
“She’s following the Anna Nicole blueprint to the letter,” said celebrity addiction expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, MD, on a recent episode of Larry King Live. “This is a really, terribly serious medical problem.” Meanwhile, in Us Magazine, psychologist Robert Butterworth, PhD, went so far as to declare: “Her erratic behavior has moved into bipolar disorder.”
What do you make of this very public discussion about bipolar disorder? Could it be encouraging others to understand and be better informed about bp? Or is it only contributing to the stigma?
There are some things overlooked about Dr. Phil. Apparently the family had agreed to do a show with the Mom before the “incident”. His point is always education about mental illness. However it is very unfortunate he spoke out when he did. When the show about Britney’s illness went south, so did Dr. Phil’s comments.
Well, at least it’s being talked about in the media but most of it screams with stigma and ignorance. If the diagnosis is applied to someone, it should be done cautiously and responsibly. Making rash decisions and conclusions for publicity sake, helps no one. In the case of Ms. Spears, I hope that she receives “real” help before she self-destructs. It seems like the media doesn’t care which way her outcome may go, since, either way is a story. If Ms. Spears has bipolar, then she needs help now not more media coverage. I suggest a BP support group like DBSA.
While it’s nice that bipolar illness has entered mainstream media as a topic of discussion, it seems a bit too convenient to label every celebrity misdeed “bipolar”. And it stigmatizes those of us who struggle to maintain careers, families and equilibrium in a stressful society. A shaved head does not a bipolar make: Ms. Spears could simply be having a very public meltdown that has nothing to do w/bipolar illness, which is determined by a medical diagnosis, not Entertainment Tonight. I hate to see bipolar illness reduced to the flavor-of-the week among the rehab set. We are all capable of acting “crazy”, but it doesn’t make us all bipolar.
Bipolar Disorder is a condition that shouldn’t be broadcast because of the negativity that it gets. Therefore, it makes it difficult for people like Miss Spears to seek help. The news of her behavior gives the impression to others that bp is something to fear. It is a treatable condition, so let us get treatment without being looked at like uncontrolled monsters. Help her to help herself by leaving her alone…please. Yes, I have bp and not many knew it… until now.
Without an official, public diagnosis (which is really none of our business), throwing around “bipolar” is only perpetuating the impression of those suffering from bipolar as out-of-control train wrecks. This is not helpful.
I am personally insulted by the number of media persons who seem to blame bipolar disorder for the often bad behavior of the rich and famous. In life, the line is crossed many times as the pendulum swings back and forth between good behavior and bad. Each mental diagnosis created in malice deepens discrimination against true bipolar patients and makes more difficult the eradication of stigma. I do not have the ability to diagnose Britney Spears. It is only by honesty in a clinical setting that she will come to know the darkness that seems to dominate over her. A clinical diagnosis will bring her freedom through wellness by medical intervention, it will create a forum to converse openly with others, and it will help to break the cycle of desperation that must exist deep within her soul. Mental illness is not for the weak or the strong, not for the rich or the poor, not for the good or the bad. It rests at birth and is born to us on it’s own time.
It’s disappointing at best that Hollywood and the media have all of a sudden signed on as pseudo-psychiatrists or psychologists over the case of Ms. Spears. They are quick to write off the behavior of this spoiled brat, without even reading up on just what “bipolar disorder” is all about or what it isn’t. As someone with bipolar, I am offended by the use of this illness as an excuse for someone’s action’s instead of simply being accountable for one’s actions and inviting some serious medical treatment to make an educated diagnosis, followed by treatment if warranted. If not the reason for her behavior, she needs to grow up and be accountable for her actions like the rest of us.
I feel bad for Britney. She is so out of control. I have been through those out of control times. Unfortunately, until she realizes that she is out of control, she will not be willing to seek treatment. Although, I think at this point she has had behavior that is considered self-destructive. Why can’t the courts step in and commit her and keep her in some kind of inpatient facility? I hope she can soon get help before it is too late.
I find it very disturbing that people find Britney’s illness entertaining. It is sad to think that others may have laughed at my mother or myself during one of our manic episodes…the media is going too far with this one, but of course would we expect anything less?
I think it hurts those responsible, non-famous individuals who struggle with bipolar disorder. The media paints a picture of murder and mayhem and then gives the reason, “bipolar disorder”… I was diagnosed in January of 1994 - have never killed anyone or shaved my head - got the treatment I needed and to this day run a very successful massage therapy practice. Does that mean I am cured? By no means…but there are a lot of us out there - we just don’t make headlines.
I think all the “doctors” that have made this claim about Britney’s BP are cracks who are in league with the media moguls who print this garbage. How can any doctor make an accurate diagnosis without even interviewing the patient?!?! I personally think Britney’s problem is just having too much stress and anxiety from the Paparazzi. I have BP, and if I had weirdoes and such following my EVERY move like they do her, I would probably do much more damage to others and myself than hitting a car with an umbrella and shaving my head. I think Britney is just a typical person going through a lot of issues right now, and is having trouble coping with them due to the fact that her dirty laundry is being aired out for the entire world to see.
The media exposure question is complicated because it’s double edged, both promoting awareness and reinforcing stigma. I come down on the stigma reinforcement side because of the nature of popular media. Sensation sells, so most of what we see is bipolar used as an explanation for behavior that is less than socially acceptable and sometimes actually criminal. There’s no nuance in the discussion, and the subtext is that people with bipolar would be fine if they only stayed on their medication, but it’s hard to “make them” do that. As someone with bipolar who responded well to lithium, I had to be educated about how many of us struggle to find the right medication without choosing to go off it.
Although I feel it is important that bp gets much-needed public exposure, I believe that it is wrong to publicly diagnose anyone with a disorder simply to explain their erratic behavior. This, to me, only adds stigma to a very serious illness. It is not right, or fair, to Ms. Spears, that she be compared to anyone - nor is it ethical to assume she is mentally ill. Is she acting out? Yes. Does that mean she has bp? NO! People make bad choices and act irrationally every day - in and out of the limelight. I strongly feel that doctors who label Ms. Spears as having bp without seeing her in a professional setting are contributing to the stigma of this illness. This is not a diagnosis that should be loosely made. Nor do people with bp always act the way Ms. Spears has been acting (or the late Anna Nicole Smith, for that matter). There are so many levels to this complicated illness - the way the media is addressing Ms. Spears’ situation only belittles those of us who have bp, love someone with bp, and/or live with someone with bp.
One very positive result of Britney’s problems is that people seem to be becoming more aware of the “face” of bipolar disorder. Symptoms can mimic those of a person using illicit drugs in some cases, when in reality; they are experiencing a manic or depressive episode. I am hopeful that she will get help, stick with whatever treatment her doctors recommend, and ultimately, help publicize the fact that often, bipolar disorder is indeed a manageable illness.
I think it is rediculous. They are making a mockery of the disorder
[Julie Fast’s essay is]extremely well written! I too, have been fascinated & began following Brittany’s story a while ago. I just hope she gets help & can find some relief. My biggest question though: WHY did the hospital release her before the 72-hour hold was up? They had perhaps their only chance to start a proper diagnosis in a medical setting. And they blew it. While I continue to watch these events unfolding, my only hope is she can ‘return to earth’, whatever her diagnosis is. No one deserves (or asks for) what she is going through so publicly. - Karin Luebke, Maple Grove, MN
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It just ADDS to the stigma. It also excuses terrible behavior from someone who is NOT ill. - Marge Richter, King of Prussia, PA
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I think Britney’s “diagnosis” is definitely contributing to the stigma of mental illness. First of all, I doubt if either of these “famed” psychologists have even met Britney, let alone spent enough time with her to be able to diagnose her correctly. Secondly, those of us who truly DO have BPD know that bad behavior alone doesn’t constitute having BPD. I spend about 90% of my life engaged in stable, altruistic, loving, healthy ways and only about 10% of it acting out in any manner. Granted, I am going to therapy, have monthly ECT treatments, stay on my meds and am lucky enough to have a warm and loving support system of family and friends, but most of the hard work I do to stay stable is my own. I go to water aerobics twice a week, eat healthily, read everything I can about BPD, go to college on-line, and facilitate a support group for others with BPD or depression. These things I do to take the best care of myself that I possibly can. I’m not always successful and the brain chemicals do not cooperate sometimes, but I’m always striving for better. My opinion of Britney is that she is a spoiled, little rich girl who has not had the kind of parenting conducive to helping her learn to live with the fame and fortune. To me, it seems that she is able to control herself most of the time and acts out mostly when the cameras are on. Celebrity doctors should be very careful when they throw around diagnoses. Their words can do a lot more damage than they realize. - Robbie McCabe, Bremerton, WA
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It frustrates me when bipolar gets it’s public diagnosis by such vague behavior. Do these people even know what bipolar is? We need more education regarding treatment, drugs and outcomes in order for all of us to treat bipolar as it truly is…a TREATABLE disorder that functional people CAN cope with. - Sara Stanford, Farmington, MI
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It’s encouraging for people to recognize bipolar as a disorder but not without complete understanding of what the disorder is. The name is being tossed around like salad and I don’t believe the general public really knows the day-to-day aspects of this disorder. The media have related bipolar disorder as someone who is completely out of control and does not allow for the many variations of this disorder and that some people are not crazy and can live normal lives with medication. Without being truly understood it will become desensitized as with other serious illnesses such as alcoholism and drug dependency. What can/will happen is that anyone who delves outside the norm will be labeled as bipolar or crazy? I’m still waiting for any news station to do a segment on bipolar disorder and truly and honestly explain to the public what it really is and how some can and do cope. But I think it should be translated that even those who thrive with medication still encounter daily obstacles that must be dealt with. We who have bipolar disorder need to be understood and helped and not condemned as people with a mental illness that people should avoid because we are just crazy people. - Janet Waters, Belvidere, IL
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The issue of Britney Spears being diagnosed via TV that she has Bipolar Disorder is a double edged sword. I personally work to help families dealing with this disorder in children/teens and want the information about it to become easier to find and I want more people to understand the mental illness. I truly am saddened to think that the public only views people with Bipolar Disorder/mental illnesses as someone like Britney Spears. People with this disorder are not all shaving their heads in public or abandoning their children so they can go out and party. People with this illness are people like you and me with out it, they just have more challenges and need family to get them to the right help. Not a month has gone by were I don’t hear of a killer or drunk driver later being accused of having Bipolar disorder, the press has been very bad on this illness and it stigmatizes all of them. It is all happening because people are not educated about bipolar and the population of people out there struggling on a daily basis to deal with it and care for themselves. Please get more information about how many people are dealing with Bipolar in the US. at least and how many are not killing people or acting like Ms. Spears. Thank you. Susan - Susan Page-Thompson, Scituate, MA
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At first blush it is always good to hear about mental health issues in the light. But when anyone, even a professional is issuing statements without actually examining a patient, then I think we are truly contributing to the stigma as we begin judging with partial knowledge. There are many symptoms in mental health illnesses that can overlap from diagnosis to diagnosis. There is dual diagnosis, etc. It is a far better scenario to have someone share from there own experiences. That type of coverage brings healing to the struggling individuals as well as the stigma surrounding mental health issues. However, it does make eye-catching headlines! - Name Withheld, Salem, OR
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Like many public discussions about BP, it seems to both encourage understanding & contribute to stigma. Most of what is seen in the media about Britney is over-dramatized gossip. On the other hand, I have overheard & participated in some serious discussions in more personal settings. Maybe the publicity will inspire some to get much needed help despite the tabloid aspects of the mass media hype. - Riley Lanier, Spartanburg, SC
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When I heard a psychiatrist diagnose Brittney Spears on the news, I was infuriated. Everyone knows that bipolar disorder can only be diagnosed over a period of time-well I guess everyone doesn’t because she was diagnosed immediately. It made me angry because it makes it look bad for me as well as for all those who suffer from this mental illness. I’m sure many uneducated people out there will assume that someone with bipolar is going to act just like Britney Spears-it makes the stigma so much worse-I wondered if anyone would pick up on this-it’s really not fair to those of us with mental illnesses. - Name Withheld, Wyoming, IL
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I believe that the very public discussion about bipolar disorder brings attention to it in a positive way. There has always been a stigma attached to mental health and those with it have felt ashamed and have low self-esteem. The public needs to be educated about bipolar and related disorders. I believe that all the attention Britney has received will allow the public to understand the illness and be more sympathetic to those who are bipolar. - Name Withheld, New City, NY
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Please “stop” all the talk on Celebs…let’s get some stories from people in our peer group, single parents, singles, small business owners and their coping strategies…some folks we can relate to. Please!!! - A.W., Houston, TX
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I do not want my disease sharing the same news line with Britney unless she is willing to accept it and get some help for it. Having this illness is a lot of hard work and while I don’t mind good press about the issues surrounding Bipolar I sure freak out inside to have my friends and loved ones seeing someone with that kind of erratic behavior having the same “thing” I do…I can just hear them now…”But she is nothing like you!” She needs help and I hope for her kids’ sake she gets it fast. - Cora Grimes, Chicago, IL
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I believe that the publicity regarding Britney and claiming that it is due to a bipolar disorder only serves to contribute to the stigma and misunderstanding of what the disease is all about. In Britney’s case, to blame her behaviors on bipolar is to completely excuse the way she has been acting without requiring her to take any responsibility for her difficulties. To say that she does these things because she is bipolar does not take into consideration situational factors such as her young age and early fame, her lack of parenting skills and pressure to be a parent, drugs, alcohol and the influence of those closest to her. Of course one can’t leave out the fact that she has choices. I’ve hit highs and I’ve hit lows. I’ve done things I’m not terribly proud of. However, I also made my own choices and when the disease was influencing my thought processes, I tried my best to do what I thought was right — even if it really wasn’t the best thing. I also relied on ! outside sources, people close to me, to offer guidance. I chose to improve my behavior, my life. I chose to take my meds and watch my mood changes. I choose to be a good wife, a good mother and a positive member to society. I have bipolar and it may influence my choices but ultimately I am the one that must take responsibility for them. - Dawn Shy, Colstrip, MT
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Awareness needs to be raised. Any discussion is better than no discussion. I have done bizarre things but the cameras were not interested in plain Bob. If it takes a celebrity to bring attention to the seriousness of the disorder, so be it. The general populace will have a much better idea of just how destructive the behaviors associated with untreated bipolar disorder can be. It will lead to more recognition and treatment and lives saved. - Robert G Kramer, Sarasota, FL
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This is proof, people with bipolar disorder need help at an early age. I had a lot of issues at a younger age, thank God I was not in the public eye. It’s not to late for Britney Spears to get treatment. She can turn this around. I really think this is a 50% negative and 50% encouraging situation. She has an issue with drugs an alcohol and so much money she does not know what to do with it. Lets all just pray for her to grow and take hold of her life, those babies need her. I hope she reads these letters. She can break the stigma and let the very public eye realize this is a real issue and she is not crazy. - Denita Garza, Plainfield, IL
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This speculation over Britney being bipolar might be a good thing. It might be that Britney’s history of drug and alcohol usage has pushed her brain over the edge and made her bipolar. Just a thought. There has not bee much discussion regarding trashing your body and its negative effects on the mind, i.e. bipolar disorder. - Susan Rubin, Huntington, NY
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At this point I THINK IT’S CONTRIBUTING TO THE STIGMA BECAUSE EVEN IF SHE HAS MANY OF THE WARNING SIGNS OF HER BEHAVIOR IT IS NOT RIGHT TO ASSUME THIS IS THE DIAGNOSIS! SHE NEEDS A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION.BRITNEY ALSO NEEDS OUR PRAYERS, ALONG WITH HER 2 CHILDREN. SHAME ON THE MEDIA TO GO THIS FAR, IT’S NOT FAIR TO HER AND HER FAMILY. THANK YOU. - Eileen MacDowell, Independence, OH
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I believe if covered accurately the Britney Spears saga could be positive. However, I believe the current coverage is just adding to the stigma. Britney has not come out publicly with any diagnosis she may have. The guessing by so-called professionals gives the impression it is okay for others to guess about anyone they think is acting a little “off”. In addition, I believe this adds to the lay person’s impression that people with bipolar always due the activities Britney has been seen doing and cannot participate in “normal” activities. Quality reporting would use this as an opportunity to discuss how so many people with mental illness manage their situations with medication and therapy and lead productive lives. I hope that someday we can see quality reporting show that. - Raphe Margolin, Garden Grove, CA
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I think that considering that Britney Spears hasn’t formally been diagnosed as Bipolar or even discussed the matter publicly that people shouldn’t jump to saying her “stunts” are because she’s bipolar. It just puts a bigger stigma on bipolar and other mental illnesses. The public has no business diagnosing her as to whatever she is or has. Thank you - Marianne Meyer, Havertown, PA
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Regarding the Britney saga, If the term Bipolar Disorder wasn’t overused to ACCUSE or EXCUSE criminal behavior, I’d say it’s getting great press right now. Then again, since Britney seems to be (publicly) void of the loyalty and affection her children need to thrive, people will see how enveloped one becomes by this disease and will hopefully learn to respect it. - C.R., East Brunswick, NJ
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Though I feel sorry for Britney & her family for going through what they are going through, I am glad to see that there has been a lot of discussion about Bipolar Disorder in the media. Having been diagnosed 3 years ago at the age of 50, I take talk about BP very seriously. I am on medication, am very stable, work part time as a Home Help Aid, and am very active in my church. I thank God that I was diagnosed when I was. Now, looking back at my life, I can see more clearly why I did the things I did in my teen years and early into my twenties. Although my diagnosis is BP2, I can understand what it is like to be BP1. Britney shows signs of BP1, but some of this behavior could be caused by drugs. My guess is that she IS BP, but is self-medicating & making her condition worse. I pray that she get the RIGHT help, the RIGHT diagnosis & the RIGHT medication along w/a good therapist. What a wonderful spokesperson Britney can be…when she finally gets the help she needs and the stability she needs to be the best Mom to her kids she can be. - S.N., Saratoga Springs, NY
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The coverage of Britney Spears’ breakdown is just one more example of the media’s lack of sensitivity and stigmatization of mental illness. Depicting Brittney as a detriment to herself and to society perpetuates the public’s fear of those who suffer from this devastating disorder. The tabloids dehumanize this Hollywood icon do little to embrace the public’s heart for suffers. It is my hope, that the frenzy that is surrounding this pop star will ultimately lead to a forum that exposes the many contributions that suffers can make to society when professional intervention takes place. Alternatively, films such as A Beautiful Mind and Oprah’s series on Bipolar bridge the gap and raises awareness of the devastation of bipolar suffers. - Name Withheld, Los Angeles, CA
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When I hear of another Hollywood star behaving badly and blaming “Bipolar” my immediate reaction is “there they go again, making it worse for the rest of us “. Those of us who are leading quiet lives, dealing with the many difficulties of bipolar don’t need even more reasons to hide the truth from others. The fear of someone finding out is bad enough without these public displays jading people’s attitudes any more than they already are. - B.D., Ravenna, OH
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I think that the stigma will dissipate when more people hear about this disorder and that it will become almost a “hip” thing to be bipolar. I think more people should be aware of this disorder and that will decrease the stigma. If more people are aware of it there will be less fear of it, or less not so good “lowlifes” get it. They will find out that it doesn’t matter who you are or what socioeconomic status you have you can still have bipolar. Look at Britney! - Sherri Bercier, Rochester, MA
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I think it is about time! So many of my friend’s and family members have been watching these shows about BP and they are finally getting it. This disease needs to be discussed more, as it only opens the doors to people suffering with BP and didn’t even know it. My husband is BP and I don’t feel the disease is discussed, understood or taken seriously in society. I have very little support because people don’t know what BP is or they just don’t want to know. It is time the world wakes up! When I watched both shows Oprah taped on the subject of BP, I cried and cried because so many people were describing my life or my husband’s life. Finally…exposure that this disease needs! I hope it continues and I hope more and more people will be educated on it to help themselves or help others with this treatable disease. - B.F., Oshawa, ON
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I have found that the current situation with Britney Spears has brought up many conversations with co-workers, friends, family members, and strangers and bipolar disorder often comes up. My first impression is that her behavior is not very helpful in lifting the stigma that often accompanies bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Most people in my life do not know that I have bipolar…I bring it up only when it’s appropriate or can be helpful and I am in a great cycle of wellness right now. Because they don’t know, they have been more “free” to state their evaluation and all of the great words like “crazy,” “nuts,” and “loony” have come up. I am often glad that there wasn’t a camera trained on me 24/7 in my late teens and early 20’s (before my diagnosis)…I am sure that most people who know me would be as shocked about my behavior as they currently are about Ms. Spears. I pray that someone that she truly trusts will be able to guide her to appropriate diagnosis and treatment…and then she can come out and be an example of how good mental health intervention can change a life instead of being the poster child for what happens when you live in denial and there is no one in your life willing to tell you the truth and hold your hand. For her sake and the sake of those babies, I hope she is able to recognize she needs help and get it before it is too late. - J.R., Independence, MO
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Certainly, the use of the term “Bipolar Disorder” in any situation can be taken negatively. What I am disappointed with, is the fact that all these so-called ‘professionals’, have not, at least to my knowledge, said anything along the lines of “…if Britney Spears has Bipolar Disorder, then she needs to be diagnosed by a professional, which can take some time, and in order for that to happen, she needs to be left alone. One diagnosed, Bipolar Disorder is a treatable illness…” leave the speculation to the amateurs. As for whether or not it is good or not remains to be seen. It is up to all of us who have been educating ourselves to continue to help educate people when it comes to passing judgment/or making diagnosis’s. - Cyndi Carter, Albuquerque, NM
First and foremost I hope Britney gets the help she needs. BUT when I heard they were blaming her actions on Bipolar I nearly went through the roof. The media are throwing around this disorder (which I was diagnosed with 4 years ago with) like it’s nothing. Britney locks herself in the bathroom with her child, hits a SUV with an umbrella oh she has Bipolar Disorder. A lot of other people have done the same thing and do not have this disorder. She has an addiction problem for sure but Bipolar I’m not so sure. I wish her well and hope she gets all the treatment she needs for whatever illness(s) she has both for her sake and her children. - Tina Auriemma, Hackettstown, NJ
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My first thought upon seeing the blaring headlines at the checkout line was, “Oh, great (sarcastically). Here we go again.” And my stomach lurched as it always does when a high profile criminal case or suicide story focuses on the person being/having/is/was BIPOLAR! There are just no stories of success to counter-balance the onslaught of negative media reports. I prefer not to call myself bipolar, but rather say that I have a chemical imbalance, which is being treated, and it is in remission. I am more than my mental illness. I have felt stigmatized since my diagnosis. I had one very brief hospitalization while traveling, and did not have proper access to my medicine, nor the support and rest I needed. I have not been able to live that down. Never have I heard of anyone with diabetes, cancer, AIDS, or any other chronic life-threatening condition be chastised as I have. And I guarantee you no one has ever brought me flowers or a get-well card for any of my darkest hours fighting depressions. I have to suit up and show up regardless. We must “act normal” as possible, not discuss it in company, and yet be the brunt of the “crazy” jokes. I only hope more survivors who are leading productive and successful lives will speak up, so that the media attention will perhaps turn toward educating the public rather than causing alarm. I do not want people to compare me to Britney Spears. I am a mother of two teens, a businesswoman, artist, and contributor to my community and have been clean and sober over 25 years. I am proud of what I have overcome in my life, and wish for once someone would be proud of me, too. - Karen Wall Garrison, Huntington Beach, CA
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Fortunately there are a few publications that put bipolar disorder into a good light. These publications, however do not reach the audience of the evening news. The media contributes to contribute the stigma attached to bipolar disorder. Stigma can be defined in a number of ways: Badge of shame, a mark of infamy or disgrace. Social stigma, a severe social disapproval of personal characteristics or beliefs that are against cultural norms, including: Stigma (Sociological Theory), the phenomenon whereby an individual with an attribute, which is deeply discredited by his/her society, is rejected as a result of the attribute The mention of Bipolar Disorder by the news media is generally attached to negative events. That is to be expected, because the news itself is generally a collection of negative and sensational events. To my friends and acquaintances the word bipolar brings up thoughts of the unarmed passenger who stated that he had a bomb and was fatally shot by air marshals as he was attempting to exit the aircraft. In another case, there is the coverage of a mother who seriously harmed her children by igniting them after dousing them with gasoline. My friends have also heard newscasts about mothers with bipolar disorder drowning their children. One case was clearly depression, as the individual had never gone into a manic phase. Someone had “thought” the mother was bipolar. There was the 46 year old man accused of taking six hostages at Hillary Clinton’s storefront campaign office in Rochester. He was suicidal and wanted to be killed by police. The evening news did not tell us about the loss of his job as a sales manager and his wife’s filing for divorce. There were a number of other attributing factors that would likely combine and push anyone on the edge without a mental illness to do something irrational. In many of these cases, the reported individual had ceased taking medication or their behavior was a result of non-prescription drugs, yet you will not hear about this on the news. The media does not consider any co-morbidity if it is a major contributing factor either. If bipolar disorder is brought up in any interviews, bipolar disorder suddenly somehow becomes the sole contributing factor. The general public will think like the media reports. There is no question in my mind that the current form of reporting incidents related to bipolar disorder contributes to stigma. I find very little in the news that speaks of the success of bipolar individuals. That kind of coverage does not sell advertising. One of the highest concentrations of advertising is during news casting. Currently there are approximately 2.3 million Americans and 474,000 Canadians diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If even 1% of behaved like the examples in the media, I would propose there would be chaos in North America. Public stigmas have been proven to be removed in the past. We have had more than our fair share even in the last 60 years. A good exercise is to think of stigmas you know of and give some thought of how they were removed from our society. Education is a major key to removing social stigma. There is costly education that mental health organizations will undertake. There are grass roots endeavors that many of us can do. The first of which is a letter to the editor of your newspaper now and then. A well-crafted letter will often get printed, especially if it is a controversial subject. A call, fax or letter to a broadcaster asking them to publish more facts on an incident is prudent. They may not start doing anything like this immediately, but they will eventually. The more calls they get from various individuals the more they will take notice. If the media airs a positive segment on mental health, call them and thank them. More importantly, call the ones that write their paycheck. Make note of what advertisers were on the telecast. Call and fax or write them a thank you (cc the radio and television station). Truly, this has a very profound effect. Attend mental health conferences and sessions to support them. Ask the organizers for discussion or speakers on stigma. You should have some personally prepared statements regarding successful well-known people that have bipolar disorder. When you get into a discussion, it is great to see people’s opinions change when you offer some positive examples. Do not be stigmatized. Make a list of your successes, and memorize them. Minimize your shortcomings, for everyone that walks this earth has shortcomings in one form or another. Every time you make a positive move or invoke a positive thought, you are removing more stigmas from bipolar disorder. - W.J., Okotoks, AB
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I think it’s sad that every one thinks they know the answer to Britney’s problem. Just like anyone else she needs to be seen by a specialist, then diagnosed, not the other way around. When the media run’s with a story like this it puts a bad spin on mental illness and disorders. Yes it is possible that Britney has BP and need’s help but the rest of the people with this disorder don’t need that image placed on them. So many people live with this and are stable productive human beings and things like this make it very hard for them to be open about it. We need more media about the successes people have with therapy and meds and the great stride that are being made every day with mental health. we don’t want people to feel like they have to hide their diagnosis and stories like this don’t help. - R.W., Victoria, MN
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Her story is disturbing in 2 ways. First, she obviously has a mental problem at this point. She is hurting and yet the whole world seems to be gawking at her. They are waiting for the next big outlandish outbreak. I think that we who are watching are only making her condition worse at this point due to the amount of stress this senseless picture taking and gawking are putting upon her. But second, yes, this story does at this point only contribute to the stigma. There are people who know that I have bipolar and then they see this story and they wonder. They avoid me or they watch me even more closely to see if I am the same as her. We don’t even know if she has bipolar, but notice that the majority of folks are saying that she has it. Is this how people see me when they know that I have this illness? Will they avoid me as a result of it? Will they stick around to get their jollies when I do become like her? The fact of the matter is that I have bipolar 2. I am not a “911″ case, but I still have some really serious issues that cause me pain most days of my life. But those of us with mental issues are not freaks to be gawked at. We are not to be the brunt of jokes. Is there more stigma at this point? Yes. But it is not the singer’s fault. It is the people who are watching, gawking, and those who have no understanding. I guess the only other thing that I would say is the fact that I really question why Dr Phil would even try to get involved. He has now added to the stigma. “Just meet with me on national TV” gives the idea that these are simple issues to deal with. It almost sounds like people who have told me that I must be ok now because I am on drugs. Shame on the doctor for thinking that an exposure on TV with his great knowledge can cure her behaviors. His behavior has added to the stigma. He basically said, “Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get over it.” Maybe if I even knew where the bootstraps were, I would. - David, Homosasa, FL
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The very public discussion of Bipolar disorder upsets me!! Not only can it be a debilitating disorder. Due to the media it is a euphemism in today’s society. I was diagnosed 11 years ago. Now babies, toddlers, tweens and teens are being diagnosed and medicated. As for labeling a start w/ bipolar, it only complicates things. I have always been open about my disorder. But now with all the Britney’s out there, it just degrades the diagnosis. Making bipolar to be way to common…the media now has generalized what a bipolar person is: Britney Spears! - Theresa, Danbury, CT
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I think that we need as much public discourse as possible on bipolar disorder and that it is a good thing. However, having said that, my fear would be that we are seeing some spotlight seeking persons diagnosing what may be simply social dysfunction and labeling it as bipolar i.e., what may be nothing more than irresponsibility, sexual promiscuity, alcoholism or drug abuse does necessarily assure a diagnosis of bipolar. An accurate, informed and properly motivated discourse is a good thing and can only help. Those individuals and psychologists who attempt to “diagnose” by reading the fan magazines or entertainment TV shows to obtain their “15 minutes of fame” are a definite liability. - Thomas Parquette, Branson, MO
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I have been following the Britney Spears saga in the news, not because I am a fan, but because I am a mother. Her behavior in regards to her children feels completely alien to me. I am a mother with bipolar disorder and I have never put my children in danger. Even when my mental status was at it’s worst and I had to be hospitalized, I never came close to putting my children in harm’s way. If anything, I became too overly protective. This is where I think the media is damaging to people with bipolar disorder. It portrays mothers who harm their children or put them in harm’s way, as Britney Spears has done and reveal they have bp disorder. People then automatically assume people with bp disorder are not good parents. My children gave me a reason to get as much help as possible with this disease. They are the reason I take my medications and do what I need to do to cope with this disorder…to be the best person and mother possible. – Name Withheld, Sonoma, CA
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I think by saying Britney has bipolar before she is officially diagnosed by her own psychiatrist is a disservice to those of us that do have it. Her actions have been so erratic that, I feel, she is making people think that all people with bipolar act that way. We already have people who are afraid of us; we don’t need our condition publicized like that. Everyone should leave her alone and let her get the help and diagnose she needs. - J.M., Bartlesville, OK
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I am rather disgusted that bipolar disorder seems to be the disease of the week. The term is thrown around way too easily. I am also a special educator and am appalled at how liberally it is used to label any student that does not fit into any other mold that we try to cram kids into. Of course, some of us do have bipolar disorder and that includes many children. I have worked with some and even out-ed myself so they would have a positive role model in school where to be different can really set you up to be picked on. Brittney Spears may or may not have bipolar disorder. She obviously needs some kind of help. However, when the media uses the term to describe some of her more public and outrageous escapades, she becomes what some people know of the illness, which in turn harms all of us. - Nancy Kinsey, Silver Spring, MD
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Many months ago, we all thought Britney’s behavior was indicative of bipolar disorder. Sensationalist news coverage is not what is needed with regards to this disorder. A very reasoned, thoughtful article about what BP is and the reality of non-medication versus medication control of this disorder would be more than helpful to bring out more factual information than publicity hype - thereby reducing the attendant stigma to this very treatable disorder. - J.D., Delta, BC
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If I Were Britney Spears’ Fairy Godmother
If I were Britney Spears’ fairy godmother I would wave my magic wand and put the professionals and peers in her life that could teach her how to restore her health. As a fan, I miss the confident young woman with the killer smile and the phenomenal dance moves; I can only imagine how desolate her immediate family feels. Although I’m loath to play armchair psychiatrist, I believe that Britney Spears has a chemical imbalance. Her father’s family history, susceptibility to post-partum depression, impulsivity such as shaving her head, dramatic shifts in behavior, and low tolerance for alcohol and drugs suggest that she is bipolar. When I was diagnosed bipolar at the age of 18 I was handed medication and a lecture. An aspiring dancer, I hated the medication that made me fat, cost me my coordination, and made me so lightheaded all I wanted to do was lie down. It took me over a decade to learn how to adapt my lifestyle and attitude so that I could function on an amount of medication that did not disable me with side effects. Integrative Psychiatry I wish for Britney and anyone else struggling with mental illness, a psychiatrist who practices integrative psychiatry, a holistic approach that uses both conventional and complementary therapies. Prayer, meditation, exercise, and nutrition are some of the complementary remedies that allow me to remain symptom free on less medication. What mystifies me about conventional psychiatry is the pretending that side effects don’t exist, or don’t matter, the “loonies can’t be choosy” mentality. If you have sensitive biochemistry to begin with, then you are more prone than average to experiencing side effects. I know I am. I have experienced the loss of speech, excruciating joint pain and stiffness, persistent mild diarrhea, cotton mouth, severe intestinal cramps, and seizures. Ah, the joys of living in a pharmaceutical prison. Bipolar and Therapy Even if you had no emotional problems before bipolar manifests itself, you need a therapist to help cope with living with a chronic illness, come to terms with your manic past, and navigate your way through the maze of trying out medications and doses. Once you’ve found your equilibrium, you might only have to consult with a therapist every few months. Bipolar runs in families though, so often someone who manifests bipolar has experienced growing up with an untreated, volatile, bipolar parent and must heal from that experience in order to accept their own bipolar disorder. I would make Britney read psychologist Dr. Jay Carter’s concise and insightful The Elements of Bipolar Disorder. Addiction and Bipolar Addiction and bipolar seem to be braided. The thoughts that race through your head when you’re bouncing between mania and depression feel like flaming arrows. You tend to reach for anything around to stop those racing thoughts. Unfortunately, when you’re bipolar it doesn’t take a whole lot of drugs or alcohol to walk on the ceiling. I read in this week’s Star magazine that Britney is taking Adderall, an amphetamine prescribed for treating ADHD. Amphetamines trigger psychosis in bipolars. Food Addiction I feel for Britney, because judging from her frequent fluctuations in weight and her fondness for liposuction, she is a compulsive eater, a “food addict,” and psych meds put on weight. As a dancer she’s going to feel every gram of extra weight. The only way she is going to get her body and her rhythm back is by putting herself in the care of a trainer who knows nutrition and can teach her how to keep her blood sugar steady, maximize her energy, and boost her metabolism naturally. I would also make her read Bob Greene’s Get With the Program. 12-Step Support Group There is no substitute for a support group of peers who have overcome the same challenges you face. I would love to see Britney interacting with peers who are working on their own spiritual growth and neither want nor need anything from her. The twelve-step discipline of Overeater’s Anonymous did not cure me of depression, but learning how to shift my attitude towards gratitude, not react quickly, step back and call myself on my own behavior, accept that I could change and be open to change, and surrender my will to the spiritual power of the universe, helped me to cope with depression and reclaim dreams I had long discarded. And witnessing miraculous change in others infused me with hope. If I could chat with Britney, I would tell her that she’s not crazy, that she’s not a bad person; it’s just that she’s not herself, because she was born with sensitive biochemistry. I would tell her that medication often has awful side effects such as weight gain, but that she must take it to get herself back and give her sons the best mother she can be. I would tell her to fight for the right doctor, one who will work with her to find medication with minimal side effects and complementary ways to balance her brain chemistry that will reduce her dependence on medication. And I would try and make Britney laugh with tales of my past behavior that was more outrageous than hers. - Sasha Faynor, Long Beach, CA
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First of all I think it is up to a psychiatrist/psychologist to make the determination of whether of not Britney has BP & NOT the media! I believe the way the term is being thrown around involving her it will only do damage to the way people view the disease & people inflicted with it. Most Americans believe Britney’s behavior is “crazy” or that she is acting “nuts” those are two terms that should never be identified with BP. Sure people that suffer from being BP have manic episodes or depressive episodes in which they do things out of their typical norm…but few go to such extremes. I think categorizing Britney as BP will only make people look at you in horror if you do disclose to them that you have BP, and they will constantly watch you half guarded for the day you display Britney like behavior! I think this will only add to the stigma associated with BP. - Kimberly A Nair, Ballwin, MO
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FROM EXPERIENCE: Britney nor anyone else will be given a “fair shake” when they are exposed to the media, the court system, attorneys, health & welfare. It cost me $28,000+ just to find help for my daughter in Idaho for the INITIAL treatment! Idaho received an “F” in mental health. Britney’s judge has a stigma against bipolar just as my daughter’s does. Two years - only derogatory comments from the Bench. We need help to fight the stigma in this country, and help our loved ones who are suffering the effects of “Bipolar Kindling.” And most of all, we need a respite for the caregivers where they can receive the right “road map” for help. Britney’s family could have used that help. – S.S., Meridian, ID
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I am deeply concerned about what’s happening to Britney. I don’t think anyone deserves to have any illness publicized the way this has been. In some ways I think it has opened doors to discuss this mental illness. My 19-year-old daughter is suffering with bipolar disorder. Up until now it has been a private matter, I can’t imagine if she had to go through this with the world watching and judging. That being said, my 9-year-old daughter made a very critical comment about how “crazy” Britney was and it gave me the opportunity to explain that she had a mental illness just like her sister. She now looks at Britney’s situation with a better and less judgmental view. - Mary Brakenhoff, Portsmouth, RI
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I think it’s fine to say that someone like Britney Spears, or any other public figure, needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional, but to diagnose anyone without a personal evaluation does stigmatize those who actually do suffer from bipolar disorder. These casual remarks and characterizations of erratic behavior give the impression that everyone with bipolar behaves in such a manner. Pop psychologists should keep their opinions to themselves. - L.C., Green Valley, AZ
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It is sad to see the crisis that Britney Spears has been displaying. She uses drugs and alcohol, so it is very hard to tell if she really has Bipolar Disorder. I feel that this media display of her pain only serves to stigmatize mental illness further. If she does have Bipolar Disorder, I hope that she gets help soon. If she gets treated properly for her issues, this will show the world that there is hope. - Michelle Wnek, Buffalo, NY
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I am concerned that people who are trying to diagnose her from afar are only going to add to the stigma. She certainly seems to have some issues to deal with, but I find it hard to believe that an exact diagnosis can be honed in from afar. Let’s just hope that she gets the help she needs for whatever ails her. - Mike Zinsky, Homewood, IL
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In response to your request for input regarding Britney Spears, I have to admit that I never really cared about her until bipolar was discussed. I don’t know who is diagnosing her, the media, or a real psychiatrist. However, if she is suffering from bipolar and isn’t getting the support that she needs, I feel very sorry for her. If she does get help and it does turn out that she has bipolar, I hope that she would use her celebrity status to inform and educate the general population. It’s a sad situation. - Name Withheld, Colts Neck, NJ
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I am quite confident that Britney Spears is 100% Bipolar. I am also quite confident that she can become an excellent advocate for the Bipolar cause, (spreading the word, obtaining better medical help, and improving the lives of millions) along with others, like Mr. Kennedy. - D.L., Longview, TX
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I feel for Britney, regardless what is actually wrong with her she is a time bomb waiting to burst. This current event just confirms how badly she needs the proper help. But as for what ” Bipolar Disorder ” is…this definitely doesn’t help the stigma attached to this illness. Rarely do I tell people about my illness as they picture the worst case scenario which media and ignorance portraits. I hope Britney gets what she needs before she self-destructs for good. Then you’ll here ” if only she had the proper treatment and care”. - Robin Ford, Cambridge, ON
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I believe public discussion of any important issue is helpful, especially one that so many people misunderstand, because it finally allows popular misconceptions to be reputed by those who are most educated and impacted by it. The “Brittney Spears Saga”, however, seems more like a public gossip frenzy than a discussion. Sadly, people are more interested in seeing a celebrity crash and burn than they are learning about the everyday trials of ordinary people with bp. Just as the popular comedies “Me, Myself, & Irene” and “Deuce Bigalow” temporarily brought attention to the subjects of Split Personality Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome, respectively, the daily reports of Spears’s decline will temporarily interest people in bp and fascinate them with its more extreme manifestations. Most likely, though, it will not lead to a broader understanding of bp. And when the public’s interest in Brittney’s plight fades, so will it’s interest in bp. - Joel, Concord, CA
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It seems to me that “bi-polar disorder” is the new “mental illness of the hour”. I have been diagnosed as bi-polar twenty years ago, back when it was called manic-depressive. I also remember when multiple personality disorder was what everybody seemed to be diagnosed with. I find it hard to believe that all these people who the media say have bi-polar disorder really have it. I sincerely hope that those truly suffering from it, down the road when it is no longer the “illness everybody has” are able to get help, and this stigma hasn’t burned everyone out when they hear the words bi-polar. - Carrie B., Dallas, TX
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I see the reports on TV and cringed. I flash back to my own episodes and feel for her. I hope there is someone near her who loves her (family), and knows her; and can provide a safe place for her. An episode for a normal person is bad enough, imagine the media and paparazzi filming every part of it? Be well Britney. - A.G., Montreal, QB
I feel that reporting that Britney Spears possibly has bipolar disorder is not a good idea. There has been no medical diagnoses of the disorder and even if there has been it is nobody’s business. That information should also be covered under Hipaa laws. I think that reporting that Britney has bp will contribute to the stigma. People will think that everyone who has bp acts the way that she does and is an unfit parent.
I always think about the fact that if the same things were to be happening in a normal person, (non-celebrity types), there would never be a word mentioned even if they committed suicide. There are a lot of people that committ suicide everyday and nothing is ever publicized about them. The media that go crazy chasing after famous people have some type of problem with their brain too. They want the money so bad for that one big photo that they do about anything to get it. They don\’t even care about what they are doing to the person. This insanity about Britney Spears is ridiculous and needs to stop. The media is making things much worse and in my personal opinion, if something does happen to her, they are responsible to a large degree. I am sick and tired about hearing the “gossip”. Enough is enough already, move on and leave her alone. There are two precious little children that are losing their mother and that is a big deal. The media needs to start think! ing about what they are doing to people’s lifes and quit being so greedy. Greed will destroy them in the end anyway because “what goes around, comes around”. I have seen it over and over. Besides, if Britney Spears is bi-polar, big deal; there are many other people in this world with that disease. Mental illness, addiction, etc. are diseases just like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It just happens to be one of the many brain disorders.
I believe that because of the negative press Brittany is getting, and the true lack of insight in the community about this illness, the impact on those of us who try and lead healthy and productive lives while having an illness will be compromised. Armchair diagnostics by professionals who have not clearly delved into Britany’s true life outside of her public eye has been done. Brittany is definitely not the strong influence that the bipolar community needs. It is through the celebrity’s who have worked their treatment and become a pillar to the mental health arena that we who still struggle gain support. Britany’s behavior and her lack of ability to make wise choices is not a mood issue. We should not suffer for this.
First, other people should but out of Brittney Spears’ life, papparazzi included! Second, her mother, I am sure, knows her daughter better than anyone else and is taking measures to get to the bottom of her daughter’s situation, mental illness or not! Third, as a mother of a bp 16 year old son with Autistic Spectrum symptoms too, I am not at all comforted by what the future holds for my son. This is about how the outside world treats my son and others like him. He is a hard worker and successful in school thanks to the help of the Regional Institute of Children and Adolescents (RICA). They also taught my husband and I how to help our son. Finally, people with Bipolar Disorder need to be given a break. It doesn’t surprise me that many people with bp want to keep their personal medical history to themselves. I will say this though, I’m thankful that celebrities who have bp are bringing awareness to it. They are our greatest heroes. Maybe one day non-celebrity people will be treated better by society but I do not see it happening now.
I think Britney’s reckless behavior is a result of bad choices…..not Bipolar Disorder. Too bad for the adolescents that really do struggle with this disorder.
It’s fine that they believe that Britney Spears has bipolar disorder…I even agree. But it is unfair that she is not seeking help. It is also unfair that she seems to be taking drugs (not prescription) and it is exascerbating her condition! These things only add to the stigma in my opinion. If people truly love her, they would force her into treatment (sometimes it’s the only way to really help someone so lost! Especially since she doesn’t believe she has a problem and she so blatantly and obviously does!) and stop babying her. They are hurting her much more than they are helping!
It is time for mental health professionals and their patients to step to the forefront giving the media the real facts about bipolar disorder. Let’s seek out the health editors of local TV stations, radio networks, newspapers and magazines to offer personal insight and true experiences about living with bipolar disorder. Let’s take this opportunity to educate the media and public at a time when the media is anxious for a story. Let’s turn Britney’s observation under the microscope into an opportunity. My practice is primarily made up of persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It is my hope to help them become comfortable sharing their struggles with family, friends and in other areas of their lives. When the people who have this disorder begin to speak the truth, the media doesn’t need to sensationalize it.
I feel that the public discussion placing a “lable” AKA “reason” for Britney’s recent behavior is out of line. There are many factors involved with the negetive behavior Britney displays. Counselling is a start. As far as her self medication, that is just what it is. Sounds complex to me. I work in the mental health field. From my experience, many factors play a role, childhood trauma, normal female developement, hormones, social stigma and pressure, combined with too much,too fast. She needs a long break, maybe three years. To regroup herself, It’ll be worth it. Maybe she can write a book. But I would leave the diagnosing to the Pros. She’s a hard working woman,who needs people who care, to love, support and assist as she takes care of years of boiling pots,left to simmer, while buiding her career. The media isn’t treating Britney with the dignity and respect she deserves. We all have our bad times. We can get away with it because we’re not in the ! public eye.
The current discussion about Britney Spears’ admission to a psychiatric facility and possible bipolar illness is more likely to do harm than good in trying to teach the public about mental illness. I say this only because Ms. Spears is a highly publicized tabloid personality whom many people look upon in a negative light. This in itself taints any discussion about her situation, thus leading to the possibility of further stigma, rather than understanding, of persons with mental illnesses.
I feel Britney Spears is showing signs of bipolar it is sad the media is so involved in her life, but she does need help before something drastic happens to her or someone else…. if she get help and shows improvement in her life it might help other see the sign and realize they’re going through the same thing.
My daughter is diagnosed as bipolar since 2004 and has been in and out of hospitals with many unsuccessful changes of scripts since so she is now going through ECT, not to mention hell. Knowing the terrible heartbreak of bipolar for the person and their family, I think Britney should be left alone by the media to try to deal with this personal crisis..my heart aches for her and her family…and I don’t feel it does people who are bipolar any good to be shown the humiliation she is being put through. They are already perfectly aware that many people, including celebrities, are struck with this devastating illness. It is not those who are bipolar who need to see how this can destroy someone’s life…they already know..believe me! I believe that bipolar and other mental illnesses need more public attention and recognition (especially by insurance companies) as being a big medical problem that needs as much assistance as any physical illness. More educational information should be made available to any who are sincerely interested. However, it shouldn’t be made a circus of as they have done with Britney. Of course, as usual, the media doesn’t care about such things.
I’m not so sure that pop psychologists like Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. Robert Butterworth can make DSM-IV-R diagnoses of bipolar disorder (or any other mental illness) without maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the individual about whom they are speaking.
Television diagnoses send the message that it is easy to peg someone with bipolar disorder; that a diagnosis can be made with minimal understanding of someone’s psychological and behavioral history. Ultimately, this cheapens or lessens what it truly means to have the diagnosis; and it perpetuates the idea that all hysterical or erratic behavior is a sign of serious mental illness.
Media’s medical pundits should not be quick to diagnose people they don’t know and/or people they haven’t treated.
I have been impressed with the quality of your magazine after having received two issues. I would like to think that this quality would dictate that you not want to continue this ‘media frenzy’. I would much rather see informative information regarding this disorder in order for us to progress with healing. As to your question. I believe this can to nothing but to cause more stigma and lack of understanding to the general public.
Unbelievable…Britney was on 5 covers our super market!! Of course one “screamed” MENTAL ILLNESS and had a big shot of her face..ridiculous & unwarranted.I think the only thing to really help the stigma is having more peer counselors in society & N.A.M.I. speakers.
The public coverage of Ms. Spears sensationalizes and contributes to the stigma of bipolar disorder. The only we can educate the public about bipolar is by providing good data on the many behaviors of bipolar and treatment methods. Focusing on what anyone does, especially celebrities, does little to help people understand the illness and that it can be successfully treated. People with bipolar must want to be treated and have access to good medical and psychological treatment to regain control of their lives. We have no idea if Ms. Spears has bipolar, or if she wants to be treated for it. It is unproductive to speculate about her particular case.
Poor Britney, regardless of what her actual diagnosis is, her life could be at least a little more peaceful if the press would find another subject. I think all the observers who think she is bipolar may be right, but this isn’t the way to educate people about it. I don’t think many will reseach bipolar disorder, they will just think anyone who has it is out of control. They won’t know why or that treatment can really help. I have been diagnosed for 12 years, and my before medication, mania taught me to never go without meds. I hope if this is Britneys situation she will be finally given treatment, and all the hateful commentary by those who live perfect (in their opinion) lives will understand real illness is not a choice, it’s an affliction to deal with and treat. No one should judge others, they may find it among their own one day. Though I don’t mean to ever say I wish it on anyone. No one should suffer the anqish of BP1. If your mind doesn’t work, you have no choices to make. You can only trust the advice of doctors and family. It’s a rough road and uninformed critisim hurts. I hope more people will choo! se to be kind with her and all less fortunates in this life.
I think it is better to understand bipolor illness.And if Britney wants other people to no then it is her choice not anyone elses. Bipolor is a misunderstood illness and is so serious that not to many people are aware of the devestating side effects it can do or tell your mind to do.No one should take it for granted for it is deadly if untreated
The latest publicity about bi-polar disease has the potential for good and for harm. On the positive, the more discussion the more “normalized” this disease becomes. It is seen to be something that impacts many people, even those who are in positions to be admired. The more the disease is discussed the greater the opportunity for it to be understood. The more likely it is that those who suffer from it will be quickly and accurately diagnosed. On the negative side, all too often when bi-polar does come to attention, it is in a negative context: the bizarre behavior of those who have bi-polar disorder. This type of discussion could serve to reinforce stereotypes and the belief that those who suffer from mental illness are bizarre and strange and unpredicatable. A truly balanced picture would also put forth those people who have bi-polar disease that is being managed well; those who are able to function and lead fairly normal and reasonable lives. The other risk is that of bi-polar assuming the role of the diagnosis du jour. During my lifetime I have seen many illnesses come to such a position - from the childhood hyperactivity diagnosis of the 60’s and 70’s to ADHD, ADD and now bi-polar. The risk in this is that those who are not bi-polar will be diagnosed as such. Wide-spread use of this diagnosis serves no one well through muddying treatment waters to attributing behaviors that are not true symptoms to those who do have have bi-polar disease. All public discussion is not good. But when faced with a disease that has been so hidden and stigmatized, to which so much shame and misunderstanding has been attached, the lure of sunlight can be irresistable. I think that we have to be judicious, however, in what we embrace and in what we may sacrifice for what value is to be gained. And always, always, always, we have to seek and to push for a balanced and accurate discussion.
The public at large needs to be educated on what is mental illness. Most don’t know that you can learn to live well with mood disorders as long as you receive treatment and take your medications as precribed. Most don’t know what a mood stablizer is or that those of us who are living well with our disorders are now called consumers not mad!
In the days of awareness of Bipolar Disorder and other mental illness it is often a double edged sword. With the massive press on the recent Brittany Spears media I have found myself listening to people in my surroundings speak with compassion and hope that she will receive help and care, but I have heard my fair share of stigma based statements. We as advocates should embrace the opportunity to talk with those that are open to listen. I don’t mean just adults we should take the opportunity to talk with our teens and open the lines on communication. Find out how they are feeling if they have felt similar feelings or done actions that would question weather there is a need for help. My 13 year old daughter Mackenzie was diagnosed at age 10 and has taken the opportunity to continue her personal goal of making our teens aware of mental illness and mentor those will mental illness and reduce stigma. Counseling with her peers on being more compassionate for those that are not in management of their illness. Hopefully Brittney will receive the care she needs and open herself to allow the people in her life the opportunity to educate themselves on this illness. It is not until she finds happiness and comfort and not allow her disorder to dictate her life that she will have truly entered recovery. Allyson Weaver Bipolar II age 39 Mother of 2 children with Bipolar II ages 13 and 17
I am “bipolar”. I care about others that suffer from mental illness. I want as many that are struggling to get well. I want the word to get out in a way that lends additional help, hope and healing to so many. I hope that Britney Spears, regardless of a condition or lack thereof, finds peace and happiness again. We all deserve it.
Throwing about terms like bipolar by the media with regards to celebrities is obviously ridiculous. It is hurtful to an individual who is already hurting. The stories are made of pieces that are jaded by a news system that almost totally focuses on negative aspects of our country which is so much more.
Sometimes people becoming aware of an illness is helpful to those that suffer. Often it is not. If the illness gains some spotlight and helps others that is good. But it should not be to the detriment of any one soul.
IF Britney is actually diagnosed with bipolar I do hope bipolar will be discussed more and more, hopefully enlightening the public of the illness. If they see her getting better, getting her life back on track, all positives… Well it might help lift the stigma, people will see that it can happen to anyone and that it is treatable, people can get better and go on to lead fulfilling lives..
The fact that Britney has to go through this infront of the whole world is unfair. It’s amazing what people think is funny.
While I do believe that these recent high profile cases of bipolar in the celebrity set are raising an awareness about the illness, I do not think enough actual educational information is being offered by the media. Unfortunately, when you hear people on talk shows and in the media describe Britney as “mentally disturbed”, it is testament to the fact that the stigma of mental illness is alive and well. It is sad to see this drama unfold for Britney, knowing that her life could be so much better with proper medication stabilization and adherence to medication.
I DO NOT THINK THE MEDIA SHOULD LABEL BRITNEY SPEARS AS BIPOLAR. SHE NEEDS A CREDIBLE EVALUATION BY A TRAINED PSYCHARIST TO SEE WHAT HER PROBLEM IS- IF SHE STAYS IN A FACILITY LONG ENOUGH TO GET ONE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT HER BEHAVIOR HAS ALOT TO DO WITH DRUG ABUSE. AND IF SHE HAS A MENTAL ILLNESS -IT COULD BE VARIOUS CONDITIONS NOT NECESSARILY BIPOLAR. HAVING A LOVED ONE WITH THIS CONDITION I RESENT THE MEDIA DIAGOSIS TO EVERYONE OF THESE CELEBRITIES WHO ARE OUT OF CONTROL.
BIPOLAR IS A SERIOUS CONDITION BUT VERY CONTROLABLE WITH THE RIGHT MEDICATION, DOCTOR AND THERAPY. IT IS NOT A TERM TO BE THROWN AROUND LIGHTLY. PEOPLE WHO HAVE IT ARE WONDERFUL HUMAN BEINGS AND VERY SUCCESSFUL INDIVIUALS. IT NEEDS TO BE MANAGED BY THE PERSON WHO HAS IT. THEY MUST FIRST ACCEPTED THE CONDITION AND DO WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE IN CONTROL. IT IS AN ILLNESS NOT A CHARACTER FLAW.
THESE CELEBRITIES ARE JUST A DIGRACE AND TERRIBLE ROLE MODELS-WITH OR WITHOUR A MENTAL ILLNESS.
THEIR LACK OF CHARACTER AND REPECT FO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS IS SICKENING.
MY HOPE AND PRAY FOR ALL WHO REALLY DO HAVE BIPOLAR IS TO STAY ON TRACK AND AVOD ESPISODES AS BEST YOU CAN
L.V.
I just feel for Britney because whether she has BP or not- she cannot erase her actions and thats what hurts the most. At 2 weeks old my daughter was taken from me because of my illness and I did not get her back until she was 9 months old. As a first time mother that was traumatic for me so,I know Britney’s battle for her kids is not going to be an easy one, even with all of her money. I don’t know if Mr. X-Spears (Kevin) is encouraging her to get help in away, either way he’s set($$$$) for life with their 2 boys. I just hope the 2 boys will be set for life with a loving and caring and functioning mother and father. Because I thank God that I was able to accept my illness in time to get help and become a mother to my daughter.
I agree with most of what was said here. I’d like to add that anyone who has a problem it should not become public knowledge, even concerning a pop star. It’s nobody’s business! If she does indeed have a mental illness, her knowing that the whole world knows about it would only add to her troubles. I personally hope that she gets the help she needs because she can’t keep on feeling the way she feels. She needs help to feel better at the very least. Thank you for letting me put in my two cent’s worth.
I see a large number of bipolar patients, and find the one thing they have in common is mood instability. Beyond that, there are great and important individual differences. None, however, indulge in such conspicuous and highly publicized behavior as that of Britney Spears. I have for the last few years commented when I heard of erratic behavior in people who had otherwise appeared “normal” said that they must be bipolar (not publicly of course). I have decided after more experience that this is what Freud referred to as “wild analysis”. We should be careful about labeling on the basis of fragments of information. I never feel comfortable diagnosing bipolar without collateral information, clear observational signs over time, and/or a suggestive family history. “News” on ET, cable and network channels that comes in snippets is too often sensationalized to the point that it has little, if any, educational value and does more to stigmatize this very complex illness and obscure its many different presentations. Without having read through all the comments, I am sure that the bipolar community has responded negatively to the speculation about Britney’s illness and pointed out that it could result from any number of syndromes or psychiatric labels, including one that addresses character more than mental illness. We don’t know what’s wrong, and it has gotten far too much publicity. I regret Dr. Phil’s comments, as I’m sure he must. I have thought for a long time that his TV appearances and “therapy” make therapy appear far more simple than it is, as well as discouraging to m patients that they have not responded to good treatment with the same speed. Therapy is hard work for the patient and therapist, and harder work for the one dealing with bipolar disorder. It is amazing how well some do when faced with mood swings and noxious, but often necessary medication regimens.
Kim Hamblin, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Montgomery, AL
I was told even by my sister (6 years older then I am), and I am 53, that I am not bipolar and that is only the “in” thing to be lately. No one that doesn’t experience or been diagnosed bipolar, have no idea how devastating this disease is. I’ve attempted suicide, overdosed and until I admitted I was bipolar and not lazy or making up excuses, drinking, erractic behavior, I began to learn how to manage my triggers by alternative thinking, medications and diverting my thoughts in a different direction. God is the number One reason I am still alive. I read the Bible often, and have learned how people in the Bible handled their depression. Britney Spears needs to know how God sees her. She is loved by Him and she needs to surrender her life to Him and learn to know Him and stop looking for happiness in wordly riches and material things. I hope and pray that someone who knows the truth about true peace and happiness will share it with Britney before it’s too late. As far as public discussions about bipolar, the stigma will always stick. My family doesn’t even support my illness, they are not supportive, they get angry and I am now getting my second divorce. Just because one is bipolar, doesn’t mean we are crazy. We need the right balance of brain chemistry and learn how to manage our stressors. You can live a happy, productive life, if you want it. Thanks for the time to express my opinion. Britney, God loves you not matter what.
First of all, I hope that Brtiney gets a diagnosis, whatever it may be,and she will get help if she wants it. And we all know that you have to want to get help. Also, I hope that we won’t find out about her diagnosis in the media because that information doesn’t belong out in the open unless Britney herself talks about it. As one pastor put it: “how terrible our sins look when someone else commits them”. It’s always easy to judge someone else for something we don’t want to look at what we’ve done.
On one hand it makes me grateful I didn’t have paparazzi filming my every move in my worst times-and on the other it has made me less willing to tell others my situation. I don’t like that she has been labeled “bipolar” by a lot of people when they aren’t her doctor.
I get so upset when a celebrity has to have a certain illness before anyone does recognizes the need for help. Even Dr Phil went to her aid… why doesn’t he come to my son’s aid who can keep a job or get up in the morning. He has Bipolar and I can’t find a good doctor for him…..
Same like O.J. nothing was done about domestic violence until he did it….
Shirley, from Bay Point, CA
I have a 17 year old daughter with BP disorder. It is a struggle daily to find positive, productive, people LIVING with this disorder to show her. The media labeling “everyone” who acts a little strange with BP disorder doesn’t help. I’m trying to show my daughter it is treatable and she can live a long life. But it gets harder every day with news stories like this and Tom Cruise’s rants.
Samantha (Tennessee)
I think Britney is a very hurt young woman who is responding to - I can only imagine - from the “directors couch; to dysfunction in the family and workplace.”
Is it bipolar? post traumatic stress disorder? disconnection? substance abuse or dual diagnosis?
The sensationalism of the TMZ and our newsmedia is another symptom of our social condition. Is the label more dangerous than the cure? I do not believe this publicity is educating our communities about recovery - and by recovery I mean developing a meaningful contributing role in our community - not limiting people by their label and disability. I think Britney could do a lot promote understanding of recovery - whether she has bipolar; or symptoms or not - I think a modern mental health service agency that hires peers and focuses on quality of life goals and Britney’s ability to engage in those services could be a big stigma buster. Unfortunately it does not sound like the “experts” on the TV have moved past stabilization so my bets are riding on Britney’s resiliency.
First of all, I am glad that “they” are recognizing that she is hurting for a reason. So many people have said that Britney is out of control and deserves bad press because of her behavior. They have also said that they are angry that she behaves the way she does while being such an icon for young fans and is not setting a good example for them.
For some reason I have always felt sorry for Brit. I never thought to diagnose her in any way since I am not a doctor but I could tell that she was constantly speaking out and trying to get the public to understand that she is human and she has feelings. She has always come across [to me] as someone who really feels bad that so many people are so caught up judging her every mood and move.
It is a tragedy that society spends so much time judging celebrities when they don’t even know them and who are we to judge even those whom we do know?
I am glad to hear that her actions can now be explained as manifestations of a mental illness because so many people are afraid of the stigma of mental illnesses and fear those of us who have bipolar disorder.
I am very open about my bipolar disorder [mental illness] and I want more people to wake up and educate themselves about it instead of staying away from people and calling them “crazy”.
If Britney brings awareness by being the poster child, I will be very proud of her.
I’m not sure how I feel about the media coverage of this “Bipolar Britney”, but the only people that might really understand what’s going on are the private, regular people like me. And that’s only on one level. I don’t have to worry about what the entire world thinks about me when I am having problems.I never had police escorts to the hospital when I needed in-patient treatment, with helicopters hovering overhead. Maybe that makes it worse for her. Maybe the people around her want to treat her with kid gloves, but I think if she really is having mental health issues authorities and/or doctors have to control things.
I feel more sorry for Britney because she has 100 times the pressure on her because she is in the public eye 24/7. She can’t make a move with out the media reporting it. This poor soul needs medical attention and it has to be different than normal, so she understands that she needs not to care about what the rest of the world thinks(which I’m sure will be close to impossible). LET’S ALL LEAVE HER THE SPACE TO HEAL AS MUCH AS SHE CAN.
Unfortunately every problem a person has, from going into rehab, acting out of character, or just plan crazy, the label bipolar comes into the equation. With all the negative news including Britney Spears, a negative and scary impression is made to the general public. It appears any issue with siblings they are taken to a psych - maybe they have bipolar. I am especially annoyed at shows like Law and Order: SVU who portray bipolar as a dangereous illness - the person is either hurting a person or committing suicide.
Margaret Trudeau’s interview was very refreshing but I imagine the public will say she is using bipolar as an excuse for her behavior as the Prime Minister’s wife.
The bipolar stigma has a long way to go to being accepted as another illness. Only five people know in my life. My older relatives who disown me as being crazy and would not interface with me as I would be a mental case. There are many reasons why a person does not publicize their illness. Britney Spears is yet again using it for publicity.
Thanks for listening, as you can tell I don’t have much of a network.
Have a great year…bmw
I think it is VERY GOOD that people are talking about BiPolar Disorder. Many of us w/BPD are very creative. I am not surpised that more & more people in Hollywood are being suspected of having BPD. I hope more people in the arts ARE diagnosed w/it. I think there is probably a large majority of artists who have undiagnosed BPD. We read everyday about them self-medicating w/booze or drugs or sex or all of the above. Am I saying that all creataive people are BP ?? Of course not. But I think if we could see into the personal lives of some of these out of control artists & musicans, it would be very surprising the number who do have mental illness of some kind. I pray that Britney & others seek the medical/psychological help they need. Who knows-maybe Heath Ledger would still be alive today if he had sought help……….
I care deeply about people with MI, but I wonder who is really to blame. WE pay them to entertain us and then WE just dispose of them. I don’t know which is worse, us or them? Maybe if we didn’t place such a high, misplaced value on them in the first place, then things like this might never occur . Blame yourself, and feel sorry for her.
I agree with Kathleen Fairweather. It is being throw around as some fad or label for being news worthy. A friend of mine in Los Angeles says that everyone there says they are bipolar, like it is the fashion. It does bring it to the fore front, but again makes us with this disorder look like utter lunatics that cannot somehow be trusted, and are to be looked upon as ‘crazy’. I feel for Britney, and I hope she will be well again, but I do feel the media is out of control on this.
I am 53 years old and spent the first 39 years of my life out of control. At age 30 I got sober and my life improved. At 37 I had my child and that is when all hell broke lose. I was put in a lock down ward for the mentally ill!!! I was suffering from post-pardon depression and diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. I stay on medication and my life is manageable. My daughter is now 16 and she and I have have a home and live a reasonably quiet life together. I am able to raise her and our dogs, cats, birds and fish. What more could I want. As close to harmony as I could ever wish for. I remember when Britney came out with her #1 hit, thinking boy is she going to be a star. My heart truly goes out to her and her two boys. I hope and pray that she can be willing to trust one doctor to help her. It truly is One Day at a Time. May God be with her and her children.
On the one hand, I see the media less concerned with the “circus” of her life and suddenly more concerned with Britney’s actual well being, which I think could lead to an increased awareness of bipolar disorder and perhaps a breakdown of stigma.
Yet, on the other hand, I see other media outlets fully riding on the coattails of her saga and exploiting her for their own profits, painting her the new face of bipolar disorder in an unflattering hue. “Everybody loves a freak show” is a common term, a phrase which might as well be the creed of the paparazzi.
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for 13 years and if I don’t tell people, usually they have no idea. It’s because of the already-existing stigma about the disorder (I refuse to call it an “illness,” for I function just fine) that I choose not to disclose my diagnosis with most people. Frankly, the recent Britney = bipolar connection scares the hell out of me, because even if some of the media try to handle the situation ethically and maturely, I’m afraid that the majority will not, and let’s face it — most people make conjectural judgments only by what they read in headlines, political cartoons, and hear in word-of-mouth conversations, many of which are full of inaccuracies and other stigma.
I’m really torn on this issue. I WANT her situation to raise awareness and break down stigma, but at the same time, it makes me want to “out” myself as also having bipolar disorder even LESS because I do not want to be aligned with the erratic behaviors she has exhibited in recent times, which, let’s face it, is now the first thing many people think of (or will think of) when they hear the term “bipolar disorder.”
I’m curious to hear other people’s stances on the subject as it relates to themselves and their decision to disclose their diagnosis to others.
I think that Britney’s diagnosis is contributing to the stigma of Bipolar Disorder. She is the butt of tons of jokes. There is a lot of work to be done in stamping out the stigma of Bipolar Disorder.
I think it just contributes to the stigma, bipolar disorder is now the latest fad in Hollywood with all the celebrities going on Oprah and indviduals using it as a defense in murder cases. What I notice is that noone points out that most of these people are not stabalized on meds and thats why they act out. People like myself that are stabalized can go years living a normal life without any episodes.
I am very saddened in this day and age that we are exploiting a person who is in desperate need of help. Again this shows us that even the richest people in the world are not invincible to mental illness. We need to find a better way to treat these people then to let them prolong their recovery.
I believe that the media has continued in exploiting the stigma attached with mental illness. It angers me to hear everyone with their misinformed comments about mental illness. We need to show the world what mental illness can do to you if you don’t receive the proper treatment as soon as possible. We need to reaching out to those suffering instead of ostracizing them, they already feel bad they don’t need us to criticize them more.
I feel the media is way out of hand and is feeding the general public incorrect knowledge about Bipolar disorder. It’s going to give people the wrong image of this disorder to believe everyone who has bipolar is crazy. There is so much more to this disorder and the media is giving the wrong impression to the public. Plus, I am tired of hearing about Brittney and her outbursts. Just let it be. People already judge us and distance themselves from us because they don’t have the right information on bipolar.
My husband was diagnosed with bipolar not too long ago. Not knowing what we know now, it was the hardest 6 years of marriage. It was a strange roller coaster ride for him and me as well. Many times, his actions seemed unacceptable and incomprehensible to me.
Living with him was like walking on an egg shell. I would say something oneday that I have said in the past, but this time it would make him snap and walk out of the house. The rest would be history. The guilt of aftermath would eventually lead him to severely depressive and suicial episodes. I would then forgive and try to forget. That was the pattern until the next storm.
Everyone reacts differently to this illness. Some strive for the best by checking their moods daily and taking their meds religiously, but some test themselves again and again. Some have strong minds but give in to themselves. Some don’t even know they are bi-polar and they are the most unfortunate. They don’t understand why their lives are deteriorating. They don’t understand why everyone seem to be sabotaging their lives.
Knowing what we know now, we’ve decided to embrace the illness and try to live the best way we know how. But before we found out about bipolar, he was in the dark and acted as strangely as Spears did. Maybe her erratic actions seem so much more weird since her star life style is so different from the rest of us. I can just imagine how much more ‘crazy’ some of the nights could have turned out for my husband if he had the money and fame like Spears.
When I read about Spears acting erratic, the thought of bi-polar passed through my mind. But uni-polar depression also passed through my mind. So did some kind of a breakdown that some stars go through. But of course I am in no position to diagnose her. It just didn’t seem all too strange to me. When you’re not medicated, things can get very very weird and destructive. Also she is still very young. She may not be like a lot of responsible adults with bi-polar who understand the illness and how to live with it.
During the most destructive manic episode, I decided that I just couldn’t handle it anymore for my own mental health. I filed for a divorce. As the divorce was being finalized, he was diagnosed for the first time with the illness. The diagnosis saved our relationship because it made sense to us. It made me understand that it wasn’t his fault that he was hurting the people who loved him. He had no insight on things. He had no control of his actions. I embraced the illness and my husband and to this date, we are trying our best together.
When I see celebrities who act so self destructive, my heart goes out to them whether or not they are bi-polar. Even if they are not bi-polar, maybe something within themselves prevent them from acting prudent. It kind of saddens me when I read comments by individuals living with bi-polar sounding so offended about Spears being diagnosed with bi-polar. Maybe she is just a spoiled brat without self-control but maybe, just maybe she is bi-polar. Maybe she just needs to know that people who love her are not crazy and that she isn’t crazy.
I feel as though this whole issue is both encouraging people to find out what bipolar disorder is, as well as, contributing to the stigma. With the amount of media this is getting, there is great hope that if she does seek treatment and becomes stable, she could help to decrease the stigma attached to this and many mental illness’. I was diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder (rapid cycling) over 8 years ago. It hasn’t been easy but, once I found the right combination of medications and therapy, I’ve found a great deal of stability and been a very productive person. I didn’t ever get arrested for anything, but I did have extreme ups and downs for sometime, the difference being the only ones who had to deal with my problems were my family and I. Which was difficult enough. We weren’t under the pressure of being scrutinized by the public at large. I feel it adds to the stigma in the way the media is focusing on the negative behavior that is fueled by her disorder. I think that is inflating the beliefs people have about those afflicted with mental illness. It’s up to her to seek the treatment she needs and stick to it to positively affect the peoples views on mental health issues as a whole. I just hope under the stress of the public eye she can find the help she needs and stick to her treatment for herself, her children and the many families and people affected by this disorder. I believe stigma is caused by fear of the unknown, hopefully all of this attention will cause people to learn more about mental illness, and that there is hope…And in turn reduce the negative associations to mental illness, while increasing understanding and compassion for those afflicted with this and other disorders as well as their families.
I welcome the opportunity to bring to light the plight of mental illness in any format. Having dealt with my mother’s Bipolar I illness, my sister’s schizophrenia and my own Bipolar II illness, I am familiar with the weaknesses of the health care system in helping families get their loved ones into treatment and remaining in treatment. The statement released by Lynn and Jamie Spears’s on CNN on 2/6/2008 echoes the frustrations of many families dealing with mentally ill family members. Also, because Britney’s “crazy” behavior has now been identified as some form of a treatable mental illness, perhaps others will be more likely to view such behavior as an actual illness.
As graduate students in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California, we are studying in depth the topic of stigma against those with mental illnesses. We as a group have become inundated as of late with news regarding Britney’s “insanity” and her assumed diagnosis. We feel that making diagnoses based on information garnered from unscrupulous photographers and media sources creates a great misunderstanding of a mental illness that is already very misconstrued. If the media depicts bipolar disorder as easily diagnosable through such arbitrary measures, it merely makes the illness stigmatized as a “joke”. Also, in light of Britney’s many varying behaviors, proclamations of her diagnosis allows the public to attribute the whole of her wide range of behaviors to a diagnosis that has not been determined by a professional and is actually speculation, at best. Thus, bipolar disorder itself becomes misunderstood. For those of us hoping to work in the mental health field, it is hindering our ability to objectively view each patient’s case in the future, which is a disservice to both us as professionals and the patients we treat.
It has been extremely difficult for me to watch/read about the Britney Spears ordeal. I don’t suffer from bipolar disorder, however, I do suffer from chronic PTSD, panic disorder, & depersonalization, and I have to say that seeing this has triggered my PTSD and I’ve been having a hard time falling/staying asleep, can’t concentrate, extremely alert, and just on guard. I’ve been having flashbacks of how I was and the feeling I had when my PTSD first started. I’d acted a lot like Britney. I even shaved my head as well. This happened over 13 years ago, thats when my PTSD first showed up. I can’t stop thinking about it and fearing it…the hollow empty feeling I had during my psychosis when I was younger. I wish the media and everyone else would just stop, because I feel that if this bothers me this much, there are probably others out there having similar issues as I. From what I’ve read, it also seems to be fueling the stigma with those who don’t suffer from mental illness. All the comments are like, crazy, loony, meltdown, heck someone even made a play out of it called Meltdown. Thats just flat out wrong and sad. I do, however, believe it to be a good thing to make people aware of bipolar disorder and its effects…as long the truth is being written and not stigmatizing material.
I think it is important to bring attention to mental illness. However, I found myself becoming angry watching the coverage, as I have not been able to get help for my paranoid schizophrenic son. I wonder why Britney can be escorted to the hospital on a 5150 and receive an additional two week hold, when no one cares to take my son to the hospital to see he is taken care of. There is a double standard here. I think the story should be that ALL of the mentally ill should receive help when they are spiraling out of control. My son gets the Twin Towers for trespassing and resisting arrest while all he wants is a place to sleep. No one cares!
10 out of 100 Americans suffer from Bipolar Disorder. Their chances of recover y and to live purposeful lives they must have an opportunity to learn, to grow in understanding of this illness. The misinformed media prevents that from happening. This is no game! We are talking about someone’s life. Leave Britney alone and give her and her family a chance to hit a bottom that she recognizes and allow her the dignity to make her own mistakes and…just love her until she learns to love herself enough to BE WILLING AND READY TO ACCEPT THE HELP THAT SHE MAY NEED. Rather than taking her inventory on a daily basis…take an honest look at your own lives and how your daily decisions may hender other’s spiritual growth.