Britney Spears Bipolar
Is Britney Spears an out-of-control Hollywood celebrity, or is she suffering from something much more serious?A source close to the family tells Mark Malkin, family members believe the embattled pop princess may be bipolar. According to the source, family members have been concerned for months because theyre under the impression that Spears has not been following doctors orders in treating the supposed illness. They dont think its drugs. They dont feel she has a drinking problem.
In plain and simple language, they believe the former pop princess has a mental illness.If, in fact, Ms. Spears has a bipolar illness, isnt it time for the haters to back off? I'm talking about those who post comments on blogs that go so far as to wish her dead.Making fun of Spears for a bad song, a poor performance or maybe even a not-so-in-shape body is acceptable, after all thats a professional opinion on her work. But the venom that's been spewed in the last 24 hours alone is unreal. Why so much hate? Our theory is, its jealousy. No one is jealous of her downfall, but surely they may be envious of all she's achieved in her very young life. She wasnt even an adult when she became one of the worlds biggest pop sensations. And she got very, very rich along the way.Fast-forward to now. Spears is in a hospital, locked down for her own good. No one knows for sure what exactly went down at her house, but I dont care how famous you are, being strapped into a gurney and thrown into an ambulance as paparazzi and news helicopters hover overheard to catch every minute detail cannot be fun in any way.
While her particular situation may be unique, Spears is not exactly alone. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million American adults. The median age of onset for the illness is 25. Spears just turned 26 Dec. 1. "The symptoms of bipolar disorder are basically extreme highs and lows," says Los Angeles-based psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser. "It's a very undertreated disorder. Most people end up medicating themselves with drugs or alcohol."
I was talking to a friend earlier who said of Spears messy life, 'She asked for it.' Would they say the same thing about someone with cancer?
No one in their right mind asks to have bipolar disorder. No one in their right mind asks for their children to be taken away from them. No one in their right mind asks to be called trash by overzealous bloggers.
Spears' behavior shouldn't be condoned or supported. Of course not. Not only has she apparently put her own life at risk, shes appeared to have endangered her childrens safety and well-being. But with the right medical care and supervision, theres no reason Spears cant get back on her own two feet. Up to 80 percent of those treated generally show an improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, and/or attending support groups, according to NIMH.
She could be a mom to those kids. She can be a wife again someday. And yes, I really do believe she can fill stadiums and concert halls like she once did not so long ago.
"There are a lot of people with bipolar disorder that function in the world like normal people," Kaiser says. Still, as the hours have gone by today, I've noticed a shift. Comments posted on blogs seem to be more sympathetic. People, I hope, are slowly coming to realize she isnt just a spoiled brat dancing on table tops. Spears is a sick woman who needs help.
My heart goes out to her. It really does.
Remember, shes just like us.
'E' Entertainment
Tagged in Britney Spears