[CedarS]

Cruise is quite loudly vocal against psychiatry and medication, following his own Scientology beliefs. Article this morning in The New York Times discussing his behavior. Included are still photos from Oprah, of him jumping on the couch, yelling, and grappling with her.

I've been thinking about all this, wondering if famous people have a responsibility, or not, to their audience. In my opinion, if he was being responsible, he'd advocate for choice, freedom, and the whole -different strokes for different folks- ethos.

Tom has bashed other Hollywood celebs for daring to be public about their successful use of psych meds.

My dream interview this morn would be for Carrie Fisher to interview Tom Cruise. Carrie is public about her diagnosis, her experience with meds, and all.

I believe Tom is doing himself and his audience a disservice. Psychiatry and meds might not be for him, so be it. Yet many of us have benefited.

I hope fans of Tom Cruise won't be deterrred from getting any type of help they themselves may need.

Sarah

I'm not going to comment on scientology since that is a religion, according to the federal government. But I did see Cruise on Oprah where he was bouncing all over the place while talking about his new girlfriend. As I watched it, I was thinking...." this ain't a guy who is in love, this is a guy who is manic!" I'm guessing that he would disagree.

emmy

i suggest some mood stabilizers for tom..........

[CedarS]

I did not see the actual show, but saw photos of his behavior in the paper today, that was my thought also, that he is possibly manic. Unfortunate if he is someone who refuses to get needed treatment.

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/02/movies/02crui.html

[CedarS]

Tom has badly bashed Brooke Shields for speaking out about her experience with post partum depression and use of Paxil. She has made a statement since.

I wonder if we are seeing a public meltdown, if eventually Tom will crash and burn, or perhaps, but possibly unlikely, get some decent help.

Brooke Fights Back article http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...e/11793219.htm

[CedarS]

http://www.seattleweekly.com/feature...smallworld.php

A fun opinion piece on just this issue.

[Topher]

To say all psychiatric medications are bad, is like saying all actors are morons. Only some medications are bad, just as only some actors are morons.
Topher

[jmo531]

I bet he has never been in the pit of hell before. If he had, maybe he would have a different opinion.

Oh Toph...you really made me chortle. Thanks dooood.

em

[Hope4me2]

Go Brook Shields.....sounds like she is putting him in his place and she is NOT afraid to say it on national TV either......I agree with jmo if he was ever in the PIT of HELL then he would NEVER have said what he did....remember the saying what goes around comes around.......he will get his just dues in time.....and I will LAUGH my ***** off when it happens......my opinion of him SUCKS now......

[(JD)]

I agree about the idea that the discussionis about someone's religion.

[CedarS]

Apologies, did not mean to be offensive at all, sorry folks. I got caught up in thinking on the issue of public famous folks speaking about mental illness/health issues, responsibilities and all, about how the media presents this discussion too.

[cms39]

Why would this even be an issue for him?

Unless it has been suggested to him in the past to go on medication?

[jennie]

Topher . . . that was funny!

[Kismet]

Tom Cruise is an ACTOR. Who really cares about his opinions? For me, they carry about as much weight as that of the check-out lady at Piggly Wiggly.

[DocJohn]

I respect Tom Cruise's acting, but that's as far as it goes for me. I don't look to someone who's a good actor to tell me something about my health or mental health. I wouldn't expect a doctor to tell an actor what's the best method for being a successful actor is...

Silly how people who acquire some fame think they're suddenly an expert on all things!

DocJohn

[SweetCrusader]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I respect Tom Cruise's acting, but that's as far as it goes for me. I don't look to someone who's a good actor to tell me something about my health or mental health. I wouldn't expect a doctor to tell an actor what's the best method for being a successful actor is...

Silly how people who acquire some fame think they're suddenly an expert on all things!

DocJohn

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Very well said

[darkeyes]

Hi there,
I just finally got free time, and got to reading some posts,
I must say, "Grrrrrrrrrrrr! Tom Cruise has lost my respect as well as others that are against psych.meds and mental health issues.
Whatever he personally feels is his business, but to go public and put it all down can affect some who are undecided in getting help, also if there are fans of his in a situation where they need help, they may refuse it and have a negative outcome in their lives.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! to Tom Cruise, in my opinion I agree he has done a great disservice to many.
I never did go for the Hollywood scene, but that is my own feelings.
Thanks for making us who haven't heard or seen his public address to this.
Thanks for sharing this in our forums. He has just reinforced the stigma of mental disorders, that we are all trying so hard to remove from society.

Take care now,
DE

[darkeyes]

Maybe he was on some "illegal" medication, fueling manic behaviour. Grrrrrrrrr! Tom.

DE

[darkeyes]

Major denial and ignorance on his part.
Donating more negative views, and stigma, to those that are taking responsibilty and working on achieving balance in their lives.
People like him irritate me, using their fame and riches to influence others

DE

Nah, I'm not going off on him and his like, eh?

[darkeyes]

Excellent point.

[MacD]

I was so proud of Brooke Shields for her response to this "outpouring of ignorance" from Tom Cruise......
She showed alot more character and courage than he will ever be able to understand...
My question is - When will celebrities quit voicing opinions about topics that clearly are out of their realm of experience?
Brooke SHARED a personal battle .....and that type of sharing is clearly beneficial to the public....
Tom Cruise shared his ignorance...what's the benefit of that?

i may have sounded flippant with my post, but i meant it seriously, also.......sometimes those who deride or make fun of something, need it most..........he's been talking this talk for about five years now. i'm surprised someone, equally as well known, hasn't taken him on for it.

[LMo]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050613/.../people_holmes