Long post...I don't recall which celebrity first "came out of the closet" about BP. Was it Patty Duke? Vivian Leigh pre-dated Patty, it was Manic Depression then...Doesn't really matter but this Hollywood divorce stirred up some thoughts and feelings in me. I was correctly diagnosed in 2007 as BP1. I thought I came to terms with my diagnosis quickly, but the impact of being secretive about it lurked around me. Who knew, who didn't know, who should never know, etc. And these feelings have vastly increased.

My BP dx did change my marriage, but it was far less important than other relationship/marital issues that pre-dated my BP, so I've just divorced after 20 years of marriage. I got an attorney, served the papers, etc. And the "initial attack" by the opposing party was the battle cry "SHE'S BIPOLAR! BIPOLAR! SHE'S MANIC!"

I didn't deny I was BP, I had been seeing a P-Doc, was compliant with meds, etc. P-doc did a "chart summary" by appointment dates, and I had been keeping mood charts, (documentation), of my zig-zag mood pattern which correlated with the increased marital strife . It was not rocket science to deduce that if I didn't have the courage to end the marriage, ie. get away from him, he would be instrumental in exacerbating either mania or depression which no combination, increase, or change of meds would help. So said my pdoc. And I knew he was right.

I was not about to medicate myself more with drugs. The pdocs documentation along with the mood charts "proved" my BP had very little to do with anything. What it demonstrated was the arguments, (initiated 95% by my ex who had anger/rage/temper issues), built up the stressful environment, in which BP's do not do well. Also demonstrated that when the ex was gone for a week or so my mood was level and there were no problems. Pdoc said I was not manic, which I wasn't.

At any rate, beginning to date various gentleman, the conversation tonight turned to "current events" and I listened quietly and nodded as my date discussed BP, or "his understanding" of it. I didn't mention anything about myself.

Obviously news coverage of Catherine's admitted BP was more that we, the ordinary people BPer's will receive, but due to my personal experiences I am retiring to the back of the closet. I only share it with other BP friends. I feel sorry for Catherine Zeta-Jones. I suspect Michael is no "charm" to deal with either. He understands cancer and remission. It baffles me that some others whose ailments and illnesses can only be well controlled, not "cured" do not seem to understand this about BP. I do hope that it is only press sensationlism that is quoting Michael Douglas somehow attributing his throat cancer to Catherine's BP. If so, in my opinion that is horrid and untrue.