What Is A Mental Illness A Lack Of Serotonin In The Brain
It is defined as: Any of various conditions characterized by impairment of an individual’s normal cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning, and caused by social, psychological, biochemical, genetic, or other factors, such as infection or head trauma. Also called emotional illness, mental disease, mental disorder.
What causes mental illness?
According to Wikipedia, there are many causes. NAMI, The National Alliance for Mental Illness states that 1 in 5 people experience some form of it in their lifetime. It can be brought on by a death in the family, drugs, genetics, diseases, injuries , or could be a result of a traumatic experience including war or child abuse.
Whatever the cause of it is, mental illness can happen to anyone. What we must do is help and support one another in all stages of life. You’ll also find it interesting to know that whether you’re rich or poor, tall or short, black or white, you have just as equal a chance of getting it. If you become aware of it, you’ll see it’s as common as night and day. You probably have a friend, relative, co-worker, or acquaintance who has depression right now who is experiencing difficulty from a loss in their life be it a job or loved one. Or it could be that they are having trouble in school, like being bullied which could in fact cause them to contemplate sucide. Or maybe they’re all of a sudden experiencing too much stress and feel like they’re having some sort of emotional breakdown.
Abraham Lincoln
Brain Structure And Gray Matter
Some evidence suggests people with bipolar disorder have less gray matter in certain parts of the brain, including the temporal and frontal lobes.
These brain areas help regulate emotions and control inhibitions. A lower volume of gray matter may help explain why emotion regulation and impulse control become difficult during mood episodes.
Gray matter contains cells that help process signals and sensory information.
Research has also linked the hippocampus, a part of the brain implicated for learning, memory, mood, and impulse control, to mood disorders. If you have bipolar disorder, your hippocampus may have a lower total volume or a slightly altered shape.
These brain differences may not necessarily cause bipolar disorder though. Still, they offer insight on how the condition might progress and affect brain function.
Family history can certainly increase the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, but many people with a genetic risk never develop the condition.
Various factors from your surrounding environment offer another point of connection to consider. These might include:
- personal experiences
- external stress triggers
- alcohol or substance use
Research shows that childhood trauma is a risk factor for bipolar disorder, and is associated with more severe symptoms.
This is because strong emotional distress in childhood might affect your ability to regulate your emotions as an adult. Childhood trauma can include:
Other possible environmental factors might include:
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Abraham Lincoln: The 16th president, one of the greatest Americans, suffered from severe, incapacitating and occasionally suicidal depressions
Patty Duke: The Academy Award-winning actress told of her bipolar disorder in her autobiography and made-for-TV move Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness, co-authored by Gloria Hochman.
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Bipolar Disorder Doesn’t Just Affect Regular People Many Famous People Are Bipolar
Over 5.7 Americans are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, a mental illness characterized by periods of mania and depression. Scientists have found numerous links between Bipolar Disorder and creativity it’s no surprise that a number of musicians are Bipolar.
Famous people with Bipolar Disorder include Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, and Axl Rose. Although Bipolar Disorder is not limited to creative types, this article will focus on musicians afflicted with this mental disorder.
Beethoven was a Bipolar composer.
The Role Of Mitochondria
Experts also believe mitochondria which you may remember from science class as the cells that generate energy, aka the powerhouse of the cell may have something to do with the development of mood disorders.
When cells dont produce or metabolize energy as they typically would, the resulting imbalances in brain energy could lead to the changes in mood and behavior often seen with bipolar disorder.
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What Is The Most Common Addiction Among Celebrities
Alcohol ranks #1 in the list of addictions among celebrities, with 6 out of 10 having battled alcoholism.
Do you know any famous actors who are alcoholics? I bet you do. Daniel Radcliffe, Demi Lovato, Zac Efron, Elton John, Lindsay Lohan, Robert Downey Jr., Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt, Matthew Perry, Jamie Lee Curtis and Charlie Sheen are just a few of the big names who have fought a battle with the bottle.
Lets take a look at the numbers. We surveyed 50 celebrities in recoveryand found:
- 64% have recovered from alcohol addiction
- 46% have suffered from drug addiction
- 38% have battled mental health problems
- 14% have been affected by eating disorders
The most common addictions or mental health problems among celebrities
To be honest, these numbers are not surprising. Alcohol is a socially acceptable drug. It doesnt have the stigma associated with prescription drug abuse or hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. And thats the reason there are so many famous drunks.
In modern society, alcohol is an inseparable part of socializing and celebrations. It takes the edge off after a long days work. It lowers inhibitions and makes you more relaxed. Its easier to fit in and enjoy social situations when youre drinking.
In the US, 86% of adults reportdrinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. More than 14 million Americans have alcohol use disorder and an estimated 88,000 die each year from alcohol-related causes.
What Is A Person With Bipolar Like
For people who are looking at bipolar disorder from the outside, it can be a really confusing condition to understand. People with bipolar disorder may be reluctant to show or confess how they feel, which makes it hard to know how the condition is affecting them. However, a better understanding of their condition can be achieved by looking at the first-hand perspectives of other people who have been living with the condition.
Some people explain that they prefer therapy and taking nutritional supplements rather than following the prescribed medications to manage their conditions. While others may prefer the complete opposite. Thus, the experiences of individuals can be vastly different.
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Creativity Interlinks With Illness
One of the really interesting and cool things about mental illness is that certain types of illnesses, mainly bipolar gives a person a creative edge, though other illnesses go hand in hand with highly intelligent people such as Professor John Nash, who won the Nobel Prize for mathematics, for one. I don’t think that you have to be mentally ill to be genius but it seems mental illness and genius often do go hand in hand. And that is why I write this article on famous people who have contributed so greatly to science and art, and music while yet dealing with an illness and why if they have something valuable to offer, anyone can. It makes so much sense to me to shed light on the fact that no one needs to be ashamed. There is no one who is exempt from possibly “contracting” this invisible disease! Read on and share this page.
“It takes a little bit of crazy to make a genius.” ~Anonymous
The contributions which the following people have given to the world will not forgotten, nor should future Abraham Lincolns, or Jim Carreys, or Charles Dickens be discouraged.
Are There Any Gender
We were keen to see whether there are any differences in celebrity addicts. Our research yielded some interesting results.
Famous women are more likely to suffer from mental health problems and eating disorders compared to famous men. About 53% of women in our research had mental health issues compared to 29% among men. And 26% of successful, wealthy women have battled eating disorders versus only 6% of men. In other words, celebrities with major depression or eating disorders are more likely to be women than men.
But when it comes to celebrities with addiction, accomplished, affluent men are far more affected. We found that 74% of men in our list of 50 celebrities in recovery had alcohol addiction compared to 47% of women. Similarly, 55% of successful men had struggled with drug abuse versus 32% of women.
The most common addictions among men
The most common addictions among women
The gender disparity in celebrities who have been to rehab is not surprising. In general, men are more likely than women to abuse all types of illegal drugs and alcohol. And emergency room visits andoverdose deaths are more common among men than women.
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Who Gets Affected More With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness, so it could affect anyone regardless of age or gender. The root cause of the disorder can vary depending on how the mental health of the individual has been affected. Factors such as lifestyle choice, environment, brain trauma, and even genetics have been known to result in bipolar disorder. Since bipolar disorder is classified based on the mood swings of the individual, the behavioral patterns will differ depending on the individuals gender and age.
Bipolar disorder can be classified into:
- Bipolar I Characterized by alternating severe depression and intense mania
- Bipolar II It involves severe depression but a less intense mania
- Cyclothymic disorder A less severe form of mania and depression
- Other types Bipolar and related disorders induced by certain alcohol, drugs, harmful substances, or due to a medical condition, such as Cushings disease, Multiple sclerosis, or Stroke.
What Are The Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorders are treated with three main groups of medications, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants.
Most of the time people with bipolar disorder, a combination of two or more medications is used to address the various symptoms. These medications are prescribed only by certified medical professionals.
Psychotherapy/talk therapy is an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder.
Psychoeducation and behavioral therapy are psychological treatments, which are in widespread clinical usage.
The symptoms and severity of bipolar disorder can change over time, and yourbipolar disorder treatment plan might also be changed.
Medication and other therapies can help people to manage bipolar symptoms and ease the highs and lows which are the barriers to living a normal, healthy, and productive life.
If you or someone you know is badly suffering from Bipolar disorder, it is a good idea you help them in seeking treatment and to get diagnosed with a good psychiatrist or medical counselor. To know more about the best therapies and treatment for bipolar disorder, visitwww.cadabamshospitals.com or call us at +919741476476.
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Kristin Hersh Of Throwing Muses
Kristin Hersh, singer and guitar player for Throwing Muses, was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the age of 14.
She discussed Bipolar Disorder in many of her songs, including “Mania” and “Hook in Her Head”. After years of attempting to manage mania and depression with Lithium, Kristin has found Bipolar relief through acupuncture.
Celebrities In Recovery: Famous People Whove Battled Addiction
Celebrities we grow up watching them in movies and television, thinking what a charmed life they lead. Glamour and luxury are second nature to them. Their lives seem completely worry-free. But is this always the case? If you read all the stories about celebrities in recovery and famous people with depression, youll know it isnt true.Outwardly, rich and famous people seem to be living their best lives. In reality, we see only what the media shows us, the outward façade of a celebritys life. Dig a little under the surface and youll find a long list of famous alcoholics and drug addicts. Wealthy and successful people are not immune to mental disorders.What is it with celebrities and mental illness or addiction? Why is it so common? Well, for one, its easy to access to harmful substances and no shortage of money. Add to this the constant stress of being in the public eye. And when you ask celebrities in recovery, peer pressure almost always features among the reasons they started drinking, doing drugs, or developed mental health issues. This is also true for anyone who is affluent and successful, even if theyre not well known.
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Learning To Manage Bipolar Disorder
If youve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you know that you can be productive and creative if you channel your energies carefully, and that your sadder moods will not last forever. Stan said at one point, The most important thing for me to do is wait if I have a new idea, a strong emotional reaction or impulse. Wait and see if I feel the same way tomorrow. If I do, fine. If I dont, I havent created a problem for myself. You learn to look for triggers that might dislodge your schedule and thus your stability- things like going on a trip where your sleep cycle will be disturbed, or going through an anniversary of a death or loss anything that will upset what, for you, can be a fragile balance between okay and not okay stable or unstable.
Knowledge is powerful. You can offer compassion and empathy for someone with bipolar disorder. You can learn what theyre dealing with on a daily basis.
And if you have bipolar disorder, you can offer that same compassion to yourself.
You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If youd like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!
Originally published on June 2, 2018 updated and republished on October 30, 2021.
Brain Chemistry And Biology
Bipolar disorder also has a neurological component.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain. They help relay messages between nerve cells throughout the body. These chemicals play an essential role in healthy brain function. Some of them even help regulate mood and behavior.
Older links three main neurotransmitters to bipolar disorder:
- serotonin
- dopamine
- norepinephrine
Imbalances of these brain chemicals may prompt manic, depressive, or hypomanic mood episodes. This is particularly the case when environmental triggers or other factors come into play.
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Why Do Celebrities Experience Depression
For those of us who cheer on our favorite professional athlete each week, or watch our favorite celebrity on television each week, it is hard to believe famous people could have depression.
Professional athletes and celebrities seem to have it all, perfect bodies, money, adoring fans everywhere, a lifestyle most dream about. This leads to the question: how on earth can a famous person be depressed?
What Is The Most Common Drug Addiction Among Celebrities
If you remember our survey of 50 celebrities in recovery, it showed that nearly half had battled drug addiction. Some examples of famous drug addicts are Zac Efron, Robert Downey Jr., Stephen King, Lindsay Lohan, Elton John, Drew Barrymore, Matthew Perry, Eminem, Charlie Sheen, Nicole Ritchie, Russell Brand, Macaulay Culkin, Demi Lovato, Eric Clapton, Jada Pinkett Smith, and others. And there are many wealthy individuals, highly accomplished, who are less well known but have had similar struggles with drinking.
Celebrity drug users have abused everything from cocaine to heroin, ecstasy to prescription painkillers. But which drug do the rich and famous most commonly become addicted to, and why?
Interestingly, the most common drug addiction among celebrities and affluent individuals is cocaine with 52% reporting recovery from cocaine addiction. About 39% of celebrities in recovery say they have battled an addiction to various types of prescription painkillers. Out of all celebrities with drug addictions, 26% had struggled with heroin addiction. Other prescription medicines accounted for 9% of addictions.
The most common drug addictions among celebrities
At this point, youre probably wondering why celebrities on cocaine are more common than celebrities on heroin. There are several reasons for this.
Every day is a battle, said Demi Lovato, speaking about her cocaine addiction and bipolar disorder. I thought it was important for people to learn from my struggles, she added.
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What Is Bipolar Disorder Signs And Symptoms
In simple terms, Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood swings from high to low or vice versa. It is the dramatic shifts in mood.
People with bipolar disorder have a very difficult time managing daily life tasks including life at school, work-life, and relationships. There is no known cure for bipolar disorder, however, with the right amount ofmental rehabilitation treatment, symptoms relating to the disorder can be kept under control.
Celebrities And Famous People With Bipolar Disorder
Its no surprise that there are many celebrities and famous people with bipolar disorder because it impacts people from all walks of life, especially those in the creative arts.
Some of the celebrities with bipolar listed below show that its possible to get help through proper treatment.
Bipolar Disorder can be debilitating, with symptoms ranging from serious to moderate. Extreme shifts in mood and huge fluctuations in energy and activity levels are some of the symptoms that characterize the disorder.
Approximately 83% of bipolar symptoms people experience are classified as severe.
Once known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a neurological disorder that affects roughly 2.8% of U.S. adults in a given year, according to Harvard Medical.
That figure almost doubles when were looking at people who may suffer from bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, with 4.4% of U.S. adults reportedly experiencing bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar disorder has been connected with creativity, which may explain why there are so many famous people and celebrities with bipolar.
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