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- Actor Alan Ritchson opens up about his bipolar disorder diagnosis in a new interview.
- This disorder is characterized by mania and depression.
- Experts say it’s important for celebrities to talk about mental health to break down stigma.
Amazon Prime star Alan Ritchson Reacher In the series, he talks candidly about living with bipolar disorder.
Ritchson is a towering man. He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and is known as much for his superhero physique as his leading television personality. So he may not be the first person that comes to mind when you think of mental illness. Now he’s tackling the issue head-on in a new interview. men’s health and shed light on his diagnosis.
Ritchson, now 41, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 36. With the help of a psychiatrist and his wife, he says he learned to control his behavior and coexist.
“It’s always nice to see celebrities and public figures sharing their experiences and mental health struggles. Of course, it’s never nice to see or hear about people suffering. But it normalizes mental illness and helps people feel less alone in a world that can sometimes feel very isolating,” says Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., a privately licensed psychologist. . A clinical assistant professor in New York University’s psychiatry department who practices in New York City told Healthline.
A manic episode is a hyperactive state in which a person feels energetic, racing, sleeps less, engages in harmful behaviors, and feels important or powerful.
A depressive episode is the opposite: you may feel lethargic, sad, sleepy, and have difficulty making decisions.
Ritchson said. men’s health A manic episode can manifest itself in small ways, such as obsessing over a new pair of shoes and buying eight pairs that all look the same.
He also said he feels like something is “not working to its full potential.”
“It usually comes in the form of, ‘This has to be better,’ in a very ‘not in a mean way.’ “This has to be better,” he said in an interview, almost obsessively.
Although the symptoms and severity of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, Ritchson tends to deal with mania more often than depression. His work schedule is very busy and he often goes through episodes of depression.
“When I’m depressed, I don’t really care because I’m focused on work. I’ve been able to go weeks without people knowing I’m feeling a certain way,” he said. Told.
There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar disorder 1, bipolar 2 disorder, and cyclothymia.
Bipolar disorder type 1 is the most severe type and is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days and depressive episodes lasting about two weeks. In bipolar disorder, manic episodes can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
In bipolar disorder type 2, the characteristic manic-depressive episodes still remain, but the symptoms are less severe.
Ritchson did not reveal the exact diagnosis in the interview, but the age at which he was diagnosed may be an indicator.
“There are two main types of bipolar disorder. The more severe form is called bipolar 1. These patients are usually diagnosed in their late teens or early 20s,” says Stanford University. Po Wang, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, told Healthline.
“Episodes of bipolar disorder 2 are not necessarily that severe. They can be delayed a little bit, so 30s is not that unusual for a diagnosis. That doesn’t mean you haven’t had symptoms by then. ” says Wang.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify before diagnosis. There may be behavioral changes, but they can be normalized and explained. However, over time, a pattern of manic-depressive episodes may develop, which is a sign of bipolar disorder.
“When these symptoms become a problem in our lives, we shift our perspective from normality to ‘Maybe something is going on’ and realize that these symptoms are sometimes You have to accept that it’s pathological,” Wang said.
“If you’ve noticed a recent change in your mood or behavior (appetite, sleep, etc.) and it’s not just because you’re having a day off, it’s a good idea to seek help,” he said. Goldman.
The question of when and how to ask for help is difficult, but it shouldn’t be.
“If you’re thinking about getting help, or wondering if you should seek professional help, it can’t hurt. Give us a call and talk to us,” Goldman said. Told.
She added that if your symptoms start negatively impacting your life, including daily activities, work, and relationships, it’s definitely time to consult a medical professional.
Bipolar disorder doesn’t follow the same pattern for everyone, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in behavior, even if you don’t fit the model of a manic episode followed by a depressive episode.
Wang and Goldman both praised Ritchson for speaking out and helping change the narrative around bipolar disorder.
Looks can be deceiving, Wang points out.
“We know what celebrity lives are like. They’re successful. And Ritchson is very athletic, so he looks healthy, right?” Wang said. Ta. “Another really important part of this conversation is when you can look at people who seem healthy and say, ‘I have a problem, too.’
“Sharing stories about mental health and talking honestly and openly about mental health helps break down the stigma. It also helps people know that successful people also struggle with mental health. , I think that’s great and I think it’s important,” Goldman said.
Actor Alan Ritchson, 41, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 36. He is now speaking about his life with mental illness in his new interview.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of energy and impulsive behavior (manic episodes) and periods of melancholy and lethargy (depressive episodes).
This disorder can be difficult to detect, so it’s important to be aware of any changes in behavior that may seem abnormal or become part of a pattern.
Mental health experts praised Ritchson for speaking up about his diagnosis and breaking down the stigma of mental illness.
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