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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think it suddenly seems 'the in-thing' to suffer with bi-polar?

439 replies

Champersonice · 14/04/2011 10:21

This is really getting to me. Perhaps these 'celebs' really are suffering with bi-polar but I remember the days when it was the biggest taboo. My mother suffers with this illness and it is just awful.

There have been so many and whilst I really believe some I really do not believe Kerry Katona and now Catherine Zeta-Jones. Apparantely, CZJ booked herself into a psychiatric hospital for becoming manic-depressive following her husband's cancer, and now, according to her publicist is "feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on two upcoming films". Perhaps Ms Zeta-Jones should visit a real psychiatric hopsital (not a detox clinic) and see real life patients suffering with this terrible, terrible illness.

AIBU?

OP posts:
lesley33 · 14/04/2011 12:31

ShirleyKnot I don't think people are "pretending to have bipolar". I think some people self diagnose without an understanding of what bipolar really is.

einstein1 · 14/04/2011 12:32

to everyone.

Having read my last comments, I realise I come across as an insensitive twat. I meant SOME people, not all people. Apologies for any offence caused.

BabyDubsEverywhere · 14/04/2011 12:32

Squeaky i wa sbeing tongue in cheek, should have added a Wink Grin

steps101 · 14/04/2011 12:33

Champers - "I do think bipolar depression is worst than feeling a little blue."

You still haven't shown how bipolar depression differs from unipolar depression.

"as for the name - call it what you want - bipolar/manic depression - it is the same thing."

Yes, I know that thanks.

scottishmummy · 14/04/2011 12:36

suggesting czj making it up champers?thats idle speculation,and nasty

given she voluntarily reduced workload,and has received favourable media coverage for her support of md.she has no particular need to invent a situation to propel her into media.she could equally have talked about md and his illness how the family coped.she is adept at media management so why "chose" bipolar as significant event

LesAnimaux · 14/04/2011 12:36

So did Michael Douglas really have cancer, or was that all just a publicity stunt?Hmm

If CZJ is just trying to get some of the limelight,and the bipolar is invented, then she definitely has some mental health issues!

I think it's really sad that someone with a mental health problem is not beleived. This thread is like sitting in an office with the company gossip saying "Oh, you know Julie from accounts, she's off work with bipolar, apparently, but I bet she goes to Sharons party next week.I think she's just putting it on y'know"

Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 12:42

Razzle, you make some good and interesting points. Although you have got part wrong; I didn't say a celebrity wants bipolar. I also do not believe that bipolar causes sufferers to turn to cocaine. Perhaps in some cases.

I get what you are saying about creativity etc. Spike Milligan had it and had been hospitalised. In fact, the same hospital that my mum was once in (not at the same time though).

Lesley, as for the embarrassment of the mania episodes, I totally understand. My mum has often said that being manic is like having one (or more!) too many drinks and just not giving a damn what she says. When she has hit the inevitable low which follows, she is filled with dread and guilt for things she has said/done. Many things she doesn't remember but when she finds out, it is just awful for her.

OP posts:
EricNorthmansMistress · 14/04/2011 12:42

'I think with CZJ (and I know I am judging her) is trying to put the light back on her. Her husband nearly died of cancer. Was the limelight on him for a bit too long?'

Uggghhhh. Are you for real? Are you a human being? Uuuughghgh I'm disgusted.

lili2010 · 14/04/2011 12:46

YABU.
I'm sorry to hear about what your mother has been through, OP. I do however think it is unfair and insensitive to speculate about other's mental health. Poor Catherine ZJ has spent the past few months supporting her husband through cancer. She's hardly going to think "I know, I'll tell the world I have a bi-polar disorder, that might be to the fun". We don't know the details, it may be a long term thing that has got markedly worse after the terrible year she has had, now requiring in-patient treatment. What is apparent is that the poor women needs some privacy.

Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 12:46

Scottish and Les, to clear this up. It is only a thought/opinion. I am cynical and just think (maybe, not definitely!) that perhaps she needed help for drink/drugs/whatever, and being scared of the scandal got her PR on the case to turn it round so that she can be looked upon with sympathy, as many OPs have pointed out.

MAYBE...not...DEFINITELY...entitled to my opinion.

And I think if Julie from accounts does have the illness and does go to Sharon's party - good on her Wink

OP posts:
Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 12:50

If CZJ honestly suffers with this horrendous illness, then I take everything back. And, I am not saying that she doesn't.

But why do people think it is ok to slate celebs like Kerry Katona and Britney Spears but not the likes of CZJ? Is it because KK and BP are seen as trash and uneducated, therefore, it doesn't matter??? And because CZJ is seen as having it all, it must be 'poor her'??? That is what gets me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 12:51

But she DID think "Oh I will tell the world I am bipolar" because that is what hit our radios first thing this morning!! It came from her PR!

OP posts:
EricNorthmansMistress · 14/04/2011 12:54

You don't know what is annoying you, do you? Why don't you just beak out?

einstein1 · 14/04/2011 12:55

Champersonice Thu 14-Apr-11 12:51:37
But she DID think "Oh I will tell the world I am bipolar" because that is what hit our radios first thing this morning!! It came from her PR!

My point exactly. I mean, is it common for people to be told they are ill and for them immediately to announce it to the world? Why on earth would anyone do that?

Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 12:57

Eric, go back under the stone you just crawled out from.

Oh dear, now I am getting as bitchy as some of the OPs!

OP posts:
steps101 · 14/04/2011 12:59

OP stands for original poster or original post...

einstein1 · 14/04/2011 12:59

Calm down Champers Grin

MollysChambers · 14/04/2011 13:00

Haven't read the whole thread as I can see it will make me cross but can I just point out that it is not uncommon for people with bipolar to "self-medicate" with alcohol and drugs which may well be what Kerry Katona did. They "use" because it makes them feel better, basically. I

I think Kerry Katona very obviously has mental health problems, poor woman. As for CZJ, perhaps the reason she is feeling great is because she is on medication.

OP- YABU. I have personal experience of this type of mental illness and it is hideous.

EricNorthmansMistress · 14/04/2011 13:01

Yes einstein - but you have no idea how long she has been diagnosed for. And what has been covered up in the process. It's quite possible that CZJ did something public during a manic phase and this is a 'deal' they struck with the redtops - 'exclusive' announcement in exchange for not running a different story. There will be a reason for this public announcement - mark my words, it won't have come out for no reason, and it will be heavily spun, for damage limitation purposes.

Champers - talking of creatures living under stones, you were the one who suggested that a woman was so jealous that people were giving too much attention to her cancer suffering husband that she invented a mental illness. I really don't think I'm the one with the slimy personality - do you?

Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 13:01

OP also stands for Other Posters

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 14/04/2011 13:02

champers you're the op-if op is bitchy,thats your own posts. dearie me

Original poster
Champersonice · 14/04/2011 13:03

So many of you are saying YABU without even reading and understanding my comments. I don't mind if you really disagree but please take the time to read through properly if you are going to make a disparaging comment.

OP posts:
nulliusxinxverbax · 14/04/2011 13:03

Actually, I dont think YABU

I agree that this idea that you have bi polar for a day or two is rubbish.

Kerry publicity seeking at all costs Katona's "Bi-polar" IS caused by the highs and lows of drug taking.
Snorts coke, gets high, comes down, feels low.

CZJ on the other hand, I do feel sorry for, as she has had a very stressfull time and may well be suffering from some MH issue as a result.

Roseflower · 14/04/2011 13:04

I can only say anything that highlights MH issues and brings less shame to the sufferers worldwide is surely a good thing.

ChickensHaveNoEyebrows · 14/04/2011 13:05

It's possible that CZJ made the announcement because the press had got wind of it and were planning to splash it across the papers anyway.