Mental Illness and Celebrities

Mental disorders are common in the United States and everywhere else. Mental disorders do not discriminate. They can affect all ages, nationalities, sexes, and economic and social classes. The disorders can range from ADHD, bi-polar, schizophrenia, panic disorders, and depression to eating disorders.

Often the stigmas associated with mental illness override the accomplishments of a person battling with mental illness. With proper treatment and care, people with a mental illness are often productive, creative leaders in any given field.

Many celebrities have been diagnosed with, are treated for and have successfully managed their disorders. Some of these celebrities have made headlines because of their disorders such as singer Paula Abdul for bulimia nervosa, author/mystery writer Patricia Cornwell for bipolar disorder, actress Drew Barrymore for clinical depression, NFL running back, Earl Campbell for panic disorder and many more celebrities. These people have brought mental disorders out of the dark ages and helped many others by sponsoring or promoting educational groups, foundations dedicated to helping find cures, scholarships, and general information to other sufferers. Some have even written books about their own struggles as therapy for others. They have shown that no matter how famous, rich, pretty, talented, or educated you may be, anyone can be affected by mental disorders.

Early treatment has been shown to improve the long term course of mental illnesses. If left untreated, there is a greater chance of disruption to the person’s life, family, friendships, study and work. Other problems may also occur such as unemployment, depression, substance abuse, breaking the law and causing injury to his or her self. Intervention is sometimes necessary to help them realize they have a serious problem; delays in treatment may lead to a slower and less complete recovery.