Catherine Zeta-Jones Not Alone in Fight Against Bipolar II Disorder

COMMENTARY | Catherine Zeta-Jones, wife of Michael Douglas and well-known star, is being treated for Bipolar II disorder. What is Zeta-Jones battling? She has checked into a mental health facility. I am very interested in Zeta-Jones' situation because I have the same thing.

I am using as reference an article by Angel Star posted at the San Diego Entertainer Magazine site titled "Catherine Zeta-Jones Being Treated for Bipolar II Disorder."

The "trigger" for the treatment was a "rambling acceptance speech" Zeta-Jones made at the Tony Awards.

What is Bipolar II disorder?

As I said, I also have this condition. You may have heard the illness also called manic depression.

Let me just say it is a terrible medical problem. One day I am super-excited and the next I can hardly get out of bed. The question is, what is Bipolar II compared to Bipolar I? What is Zeta-Jones really fighting?

Bipolar II disorder is like Bipolar I in that there are changes in a person between very happy and energetic actions to depression. When they are "up," however, they never reach the level those with Bipolar I do. I have it, and when I am in a hypomanic state I will speak rapidly and loudly and will need less sleep. When not in a hypomanic episode -- depressed -- a person with Bipolar II disorder leads a pretty normal life.

What is Bipolar I?

Bipolar I Disorder is more severe than Bipolar II. People swing between moods, often sometimes in the same day. In addition to rapid speech and seeing themselves as important, they may get involved in sexual activity they normally wouldn't and spend money they normally wouldn't. Bipolar I episodes can last for weeks, months or years and can lead to suicide. Bipolar I cases sometimes break up families.

I applaud Catherine Zeta-Jones. Sometimes life changes and challenges bring out bipolar illness. Her husband, Michael Douglas, has been fighting throat cancer and before that, not too long ago, they had a baby.

The whole key to rising above Bipolar II is getting treatment, and Catherine Zeta-Jones has done that.

References:

SDEntertainer.com, Angel Star, "Catherine Zeta-Jones Being Treated for Bipolar II Disorder"

Internet Mental Health Website, "Bipolar I Disorder"

WebMD Website, "Bipolar II Disorder"

WebMD Website, "Bipolar I Disorder"