One of the most underrated health concerns in the US today is the mystery shrouded realm of mental health. It’s a place most people don’t dare tread into unless in a joking manner, but lately it has been receiving a lot more attention thanks to several celebrities opening up about their own personal struggles. Recently, two very high profile stars, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Demi Lovato no less, have admitted to their fair share of personal issues that they are now ready to discuss.
Teen star Lovato who is better known for her Disney career in such shows as Sunny With a Chance and the film Princess Protection Program, entered a rehabilitation center earlier this year to combat eating disorders and other issues (cutting), but now admits that she has been battling bipolar disorder as well. She told People magazine, “I never found out until I went into treatment that I was bipolar”. On the diagnosis she says, “Looking back it makes sense …”. She was quick to tweet back support to Catherine Zeta-Jones recently when she opened up about having bipolar disorder type II.
Catherine entered a Connecticut based mental health clinic earlier this month for five days to receive treatment for her disorder. She told People, “This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them”. Further stating “If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it has been worth it. There is absolutely no need to suffer in silence and there is no shame in seeking help.” This is wonderful news for those already suffering, and those afraid to seek help. It’s a taboo subject even in today’s world, so hopefully the confessions of these two public figures will help, even just a little, lift the veil off of this very neglected topic.