Mariah Carey Reveals Battle with Bipolar Disorder
Mariah Carey reveals for the first time that she struggling with bipolar II disorder for nearly two decades.
In an exclusive interview People magazine, Carey explained that she was first diagnosed after being hospitalized for a physical and mental breakdown in 2001 – saying “I didn’t want to believe it.” At first, the Songbird thought she was just suffering from a “severe sleep disorder,” however it wasn’t your normal insomnia. Instead, Carey said she overworked herself which turned out to be a form of mania.
“Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me,” Carey said. “It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love — writing songs and making music.”
After living in fear that her condition would be made public, the five-time Grammy winner told People that she is now seeing a therapist and taking medication that “seems to be pretty good,”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar II Disorder is defined as depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown manic episodes. During a depressive episode, individuals may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feeling extremely energized at the same time. During a hypomanic episode, an individual may be highly productive, function well and feel very good. The sufferers may not recognize the mood swings and/or changes in activity levels as possible bipolar disorder, as the National Institute of Mental Health states. Luckily, there are many ways individuals can treat bipolar disorder. Some treatments include various medications like; Mood stabilizers, Atypical antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Psychotherapy, and alternative treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and sleep medications.
Mariah Carey’s full interview with People will be released Friday (April 13).
Photo Credit: PR Photos
