Robin Williams - Depression, Comedian, Actor,
Robin Williams
The critically acclaimed funny man and star of many movies such as 'Good Morning Vietnam' and 'Good Will Hunting' (arguably his finest piece) was found dead at his California home on the 13th August 2014. He was loved and respected by many and tributes poured in from all over the globe, including President Barack Obama and his family. Robin had been battling depression and Parkinson’s disease for years.
Ha made people laugh but felt alone. Although he touched so many people through his work and brought happiness and laughter into their lives, no one was able to do the same for him. He once said that people who suffer the most sadness in their lives try to make other people happy and try to prevent them from suffering the same sadness that they themselves have been through.
There is a big stigma in society today concerning mental illness and depression. There are millions battling with depression and other mental illnesses but they feel unable to come forward to seek help, due in part to the perceived label that comes with admitting it. You can hear such labels vocalized in insults such as ‘retard’, ‘soft in the head’. ‘Loon’, etc. The givers of these insults range from school pupils to the elderly. There is nowhere safe from the attack and abuse the mentally ill suffer.
While society recognizes the reality of physical ailments such as cancer, HIV or even a headache, society is reluctant to accept the common nature of mental illnesses. The mentally ill are often abused, not just physically but also sexually, emotionally, financially and psychologically. This constant barrage of hate is one of the key reasons that people are often reluctant to seek out help when they need it.
Those who are bold enough to seek help, or those who are forced to do so due to their circumstances experience this discrimination and abuse first hand. The stigma associated with mental illness, whether it is perceived or factual, never goes away for them and can even effect their family and loved ones. Society is even willing to ostracize the family members of people who suffer from depression and label them a ‘’crazy family’’. There are cases of parents frowning upon and even stopping the marriage of their sons or daughters to someone who has a family member suffering from depression.
Even within religious movements, there are those who believe that mental health issues are curses from a divine being, placed upon people who have somehow done something wrong. People with mental health issues can even be beaten and forced to endure untold physical abuse, all in the name of trying to 'cure' them of their affliction. With this kind of attitude being displayed by people, how can anyone be expected to seek help in regards to mental health issues?
In the case of Robin Williams the question we are faced with is; was this a case of suicide or murder by society? In holding onto what we deem as reasonable and safe social etiquette, did society ultimately doom Robin Williams by creating an unsafe environment for him to live in?
People with depression are often very sensitive and often this is a part of the nature of a victim. They are often so touched by the suffering around them that it takes a toll on them especially if they are unable to do anything about it. Someone like that is unlikely to want to ‘’burden’’ their family, friends or society with any issues they feel will only weigh their family down. As a result they tend to hold it all inside until the volcano erupts and they are the ultimate victim.
However there are a range of services and outreaches e.g. the Samaritans who provide counselling and advice for people with depression. Such services can be literally life saving, as talking to someone who cares is a good way to alleviate some of the suffering. While it might not take it away completely, continued counselling and help often allow the victim a means of release and a way to manage their condition. If you feel that you might be suffering, please talk to someone today, don't keep it all in.
Robert Downey Jr. – Actor, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse and Mental Illness
Introduction
Born 4 April 1965 Robert Downey Jr made his screen debut at age five in the movie Pound directed and produced by his father. Described as an art house movie, this was the environment Downey grew up in surrounded by the stars of the time, witness to their antics and behaviors. His mother also an actress instilled in him a love of acting, a counterpoint to his father’s more bohemian approach to life.
His father’s influence was to have a lasting effect on Downey; when at age six Robert Downey Sr gave him his first experience of using marijuana which was to set him on his path of self-destruction.
When talking about his childhood Downey has been reported as saying I don’t want to go all Michael Jackson on you, but I never really had a childhood.
Robert Downey Jr always knew he wanted to act, when his parents separated at age thirteen; he followed his father to New York, and then returning to Hollywood to pursue his own career.
The Early Years
Robert Downey Jr started his career like many aspiring actors playing bit parts that largely went uncredited. Through the 1970’s and 80’s he began compiling a creditable portfolio of work.
His most noted role during this time was in Saturday Night live. In 1987 he starred in the movie Less Than Zero, portraying a young drug addicted male. Little did anyone know how closely art would imitate life.
Air America (1990) along side Mel Gibson (who has had his own battles with drug and alcohol addiction), propelled Robert Downey Jr further into the limelight and was the beginning of a life long respect and friendship with Gibson.
Even as his fame grew through his work on Ally McBeal it was most notably during this period Downey’s addiction to drugs became public knowledge through Downey himself who’s behaviour had become erratic and unpredictable.
Drugs and Mental Illness
As his drug addiction grew, so did the unpredictability of his behaviour. It has been recorded and documented in various forms of media the trouble Downey got himself in, including breaking into a neighbors’ house and falling asleep in their son’s bed, wandering around streets in a drugged state and even driving a car naked in possession of drugs and an unloaded handgun.
April 2001 after yet another arrest Downey was sent by court order to the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, in accordance with the newly passed California Proposition 36, which allowed non-violent drug offenders to go into rehabilitation rather than prison.
During an interview about his drug habits Downey is reported to have described his drug taking activities as a kind of emotional bond between father and son – something they shared together.
Rumors have circulated over time that Downey also suffered depression and Bi-Polar disorder; these claims are purported to have been made by his Stepmother and a psychiatrist who Downey supposedly rang for assistance. Robert Downey Jr himself has personally refuted these claims and to this time they remain unverified.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Robert Downey Jr attributes the failure of his relationships and two marriages to his drug addiction.
In 2003 after completing his rehabilitation Robert Downey Jr. once again returned to acting in the movie Gothika. It was while filming this movie that he met and married his third and current wife Susan. It is believed by many and by Downey himself she was paramount in bringing about change by providing him with a stable home life. The couple now has two children together and Downey has been reunited with his older son from one of his previous marriages.
Believed to have been drug free since 2003 Downey credited support of his friends and family, meditation, yoga, therapy and a twelve-step recovery program for his drug free state. When asked about his time in prison/rehabilitation Downey had this to say, ‘I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone else, but it was very very educational for me, and has informed my proclivities and politics ever since’. Downey is also on the board of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
November 2004 saw Robert Downey Jr do an interview with Oprah where he spoke to her about his decision to finally get help and kick his drug habit. During the interview he discussed how in the end the decision to get help was actually harder than asking for the help in the first place.
Conclusion
Many options including counselling and various forms of therapy are available to assist anyone who suffers with drug and alcohol addiction. Robert Downey Jr. has taught us that one of the best things a person can do when battling inner demons, is too seek professional help. The other road of drugs and alcohol may seem like the instant fix we want, but it will only end up hurting you more. If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone about drug related mental illness, Bipolar Disorder or other mental illnesses; know that we at AB Consultation and Counselling Service are always here to help you on your road to recovery.
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Michael Jackson - Mental Health, Childhood Trauma & Drugs
Michael Jackson or the ‘King of Pop’ is arguably one of the greatest musician that ever lived. He was a record producer, actor, dancer, songwriter and singer. He was well known for his pop music and phenomenal dance skills; but also equally well known for his uncertain mental health, eccentric adult life and drug use.
Michael Jackson or the ‘King of Pop’ is arguably one of the greatest musician that ever lived. He was a record producer, actor, dancer, songwriter and singer. He was well known for his pop music and phenomenal dance skills; but also equally well known for his uncertain mental health, eccentric adult life and drug use.
Michael Jackson or the ‘King of Pop’ is arguably one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. He was a record producer, actor, dancer, songwriter and singer. He was well known for his pop music and phenomenal dance skills; but also equally well known for his uncertain mental health, eccentric adult life and drug use.
Michael Jackson was given birth to on the 29th of August 1958 to Mrs. Katherine Esther Scruse and Mr. Joseph Walter “Joe” Jackson. He grew up in Gary, Indiana in their family house. He had 9 siblings, 7 of whom were senior to him. In 1965, he joined his father’s band, the Jackson Brothers as a backup singer. The group’s name later changed to Jackson 5 in 1966.
Michael Jackson dived into film and songwriting in 1982. He wrote a part of the song “Someone in the Dark” for the Extra-Terrestrial. In 1982, he also released his thriller album which up till today has the record of having highest sales in the whole world in 1983. His singles and albums won him a lot of awards some of which include: longest run of an album staying 37 weeks at number one with his thriller album and spending 80 weeks consecutively in Billboard 200 top 10 amongst many others
Michael Jackson went on to release more hit albums like Bad in 1987, Dangerous in 1991, Invincible in 2001 and more. Michael wasn’t just confined to the recording studio, embarking on some tours including ‘MJ and Friends’ in 1999, ‘History World’ tour (1996-1997), ‘Dangerous’ World Tour (1992-1993) and ‘Bad’ (1987-1989). Prior to his death, he was preparing for his last tour ever. The ‘This Is It’ tour was going to be Michael Jackson’s big farewell; but he never made it to his final tour, dying on 25th June 2009.
Michael Jackson and his Mental Health
Despite his fame and wealth, Michael Jackson’s life wasn’t all roses, having a series of troubles, one of which was suspected mental ill-health. Michael Jackson joined his father’s band at the age of 7. His father seemed to be a strict disciplinarian as he once stated that he was abused by his father. Their father trained them for their performances and once you missed a dance move or made any mistake, you were flogged. Michael Jackson’s inability to be able to please his father left a vacuum in him. It left him with the feeling that he was not good enough and that he could not please anybody; leading to significant impacts on his adult life (remember before his tragic death, a lot of us unashamedly called him ‘Wacko Jacko’).
One of trouble he had later was cases for sleeping with children in 1993 and in 2003. Furthermore, he got married and divorced twice to Lisa Marie Presley and Deborah Jeanne Rowe respectively. All of these events probably also further dented his self-esteem and believe in himself. This thus led to anxiety as he seemed to rely on drugs to be able to bring him to sleep. His first wife admitted to the stress from the 1st child abuse case having a mental effect on Michael Jackson which led to faltering health and drug addictions. She suggested that he should go for rehabilitation to recover.
If Michael didn’t go through the childhood experience of having a father that was hard to please, he wouldn’t have had to depend on drugs which later led to his death as he was reported to have died from cardiac arrest suspected to be as a result of the use of overdose of drugs. Furthermore, if he had gone through rehabilitation earlier, he may have been able to deal with his anxiety; instead of seeking relief through drugs.
The Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Death
The tragic story of Michael Jackson is not uncommon, with a lot of people turning to drugs and alcohol to numb their pain. It is unclear if Michael Jackson had any diagnosed mental illness, however his reliance of drugs and his terrible, abusive upbringing; are an indicator that he needed help. Perhaps because of his celebrity status, the idea of this icon seeking help for his inner demons was something that Michael Jackson couldn’t bring himself to do; for fear of the tabloids confirming what they all suspected of him. It is this kind of stigma towards mental illness that we as a society need to fight against, as seeking help is not a sign of weakness and you should never feel ashamed about it.
If you have pain inside of you, it is far better for you to seek help and speak to your GP or contact a qualified Counsellor or Psychologist. Counselling psychology can help you work through many of your most traumatic events, in a healthy, safe environment. We are currently taking new enrolments for our counseling clinic. We accept by private sign-ups and referrals through Medicare & private health insurance (please check with your private insurance to confirm coverage).
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Beam Me Up, Scotty - James Doohan and Dementia
James Doohan is a timeless actor, and was best known for playing the role of Scotty on Star Trek, and for playing the chief engineer, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, on the TV series in the 1960's, parodies, movies, and cartoons which followed.
James Doohan and His Career on Star Trek
When asked what James Doohan thought about his work with Star Trek, he said;
"I really didn't have to work, shall we say, with Star Trek. It was a natural. When I opened my mouth, there was Scotty. It's like I tell people, what you see in Scotty is 99% James Doohan, and 1% accent."
The Diagnosis
When James Doohan was diagnosed with Dementia during 2004, it was thought that his life and career would be over. Even though he had a difficult time finding roles after Star Trek, James Doohan still made personal appearances, and met with hundreds of thousands of his fans. Even though he was diagnosed with Dementia, he still attended the Star Trek convention that took place in August that year.
James Doohan, despite his poor health, was still able to go to the ceremony which was hend in his high honor, where he received his star located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during August of 2004.
Dementia is a persistent, or chronic disorder, which affects the menta processes caused from brain injury or disease. Dementia is marked by personality changes, impaired reasoning, and memory disorders.
Jame's wife, Wendy Doohan, commented on his Dementia;
"With Jimmy, it's the loss of words. He is not so sick yet that he doesn't know people, and there are times when he is sharp as a tack. But, it's the older memories that stick. What he had for breakfast might be an iffy thing, but by golly he could tell you all about how he got the part on Star Trek."
James Doohan and His Stride
James Doohan dealt with his Dementia, by embracing the years he had left. As stated previously, he continued to go out and meet with his fans, and never stopped playing the role of Lt Commander Montgomery Scott, as Chief Engineer of the Star-Ship Enterprise. Even though a lot of other actors from Star Trek chose to move on, and continue with other roles, James Doohan was happy to sign autographs, meet with fans, and live forever as Scotty from Star Trek.
Learning More on Dementia
Dementia is something that millions of families and individuals have to come to terms with. However, just because someone suffers from Dementia, it does not mean that it's the end of their road. Dementia definitely did not stop him from meeting with his beloved fans, and living on the rest of his days as Lt Commander Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer of the Star-Ship Enterprise.
Dementia is condition that effects 47.6 million people world wide, with 7.7 million new cases each year. Whilst there is currently no cure, the condition is lessened with therapy and medication; especially if the disease is caught early. If you found this interesting, be sure to purchase your ticket for our Dementia & Delirium Seminar; hosted on Tuesday 16th June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Clinical Director, Anneke Bull is providing an in depth presentation about Dementia & Delirium. Anneke Bull spent over 30 years working in the public mental healthcare system; with a specialization in aged care. So if you are a carer or just interested in learning more about Dementia & Delirium, then you won’t want to miss out on this presentation.
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME, SO BOOK NOW.
Malcolm Young - Songwriter, Rockstar, Dementia
This article gives a brief overview of Dementia, find out more about Dementia and other mental illnesses at our Public Health Information Session. 2nd Session 'Dementia & Delirium' 7:00pm 16th June 2015.
Malcolm Mitchell Young is a songwriter, backing vocalist, rhythm guitarist and founder of the AC/DC band, an Australian hard rock band. He was born on the 6th of January 1953 in Glasgow. He was one of the founders of the band in November 1973 and was with the band until 2014. He was described as the businessman behind the band. He was also the rhythm guitarist and aided the broad appeal of their band’s sound. He developed a lot of the guitar rifts the band used and co-wrote the band’s songs with his younger brother Angus. He has two kids with his wife Linda Young whose names are Cara and Ross.
Malcolm Young (far left) with AC/DC bandmates on album cover 'Highway to Hell (1979)'
Before forming the AC/DC band, he was initially with The Velvet Underground, a Newcastle-based band. He began national touring with Dave Evans in 1974. The band moved to the United Kingdom in 1976 and enjoyed a heavy schedule of international recording and touring. Their band lost Bon Scott, its lead singer in 1980. He developed a drinking problem and left the band briefly in 1988 to address the problem. He was however, replaced by Stevie Young, his nephew who had a striking resemblance with him during his absence. He was however able to return to the band after becoming sober. Malcolm Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with other members of the AC/DC band. A guitar, Gretsch G6131MY was also modeled after his original 1962 Jet Firebird.
Malcolm Young and Dementia - Early Symptoms & Diagnosis
Malcolm Young became seriously ill in 2014 and could not continue with the band. The Sydney Morning Herald of 26th September 2014 reported that Malcolm Young was admitted to a nursing home and was suffering from Dementia. He was reported to have completely lost his short-term memory. This was later confirmed four days later by his family. His brother Angus however, noted that some of the signs of Dementia were noticed in him as early as 2008.
Dementia is a type of mental ill health that causes an often gradual but long term decrease in the ability to remember things or think which always have a negative effect on the person’s daily activities. Another symptom of Dementia is emotional problems, decrease in motivation as well as language problems.
Dementia - What is it and what does it look like?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia. Other types of Dementia are Lewy body Dementia, frontotemporal Dementia and vascular Dementia.
Dementia comes with a lot of signs and symptoms including disinhibition and impulsivity, agitation, balance problems, difficulty with speech and language, tremor, anxiety and depression, eat and swallowing problems, delusions and hallucinations, memory distortions and restlessness. They also get angry suddenly or burst into tears when they are frustrated especially when they are pressured beyond their abilities. Dementia is sometimes accompanied by psychosis, another mental ill-health condition.
Early Symptoms
In most cases, Dementia starts with the mild cognitive impairment when there are subtle signs and symptoms of Dementia. The mild cognitive impairment is however noticed long after the changes in the brain that leads to Dementia has started. This then progresses to the early stages of Dementia when the symptoms are easily noticeable to those around the individual. The person will still be able to take of himself/herself but will easily forget some basic things.
Middle Stages of Dementia
The middle stages entail worsening of symptoms noticed in the early stages and would not be able to function on his or her own outside the house. Simple chores might not be an issue but the individual would need assistance even to take care of himself/herself.
Last Stages of Dementia
Comparison of healthy brain & brain during advanced Alzheimers
The last stages would require a 24-hour supervision of the individual so as to keep him/her safe as he may not be able to recognize common dangers such as sharp objects, they may wander and fall and might not be able to control their bladder or know when they need to use the bathroom.
The causes of Dementia include hypothyroidism, Lyme disease, neurosyphillis and Vitamin B12 deficiency.
For now, a lot of proposal has been made about prevention and management of Dementia as it currently have no cure except for the few treatable types of Dementia. Some proposed prevention includes lifestyle changes and medication as well as computerized cognitive training.
Management of Dementia
For management of Dementia, proposed interventions include psychological therapies, medications, help with relieving pain, assisted feeding, alternative medicine and palliative care.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that it would be extremely difficult for Malcolm Young to be able to recover from the disease. Despite how talented Malcolm Young was and even though he was able to achieve a lot, Dementia has however made it impossible for him to be able to continue on his band. The effects of Dementia on him could have been reduced if probably his friends and brothers were well informed on the signs and the steps to take as soon as they first started noticing the signs in 2008.
While nobody wishes for Dementia (or any form of illness), they are bound to happen to some people, particularly those with a family history of Dementia. One of the best ways to address these risks, is to take appropriate steps as soon as symptoms manifest. Our 2nd Public Health Information Session provides a detailed education about Dementia & Delirium, including the symptoms of Dementia. If you or someone your love has a family history of Dementia, it is worth attending this session to learn how to detect symptoms of Dementia.
This Information Session provides a detailed education of Dementia, current treatment options, what delirium looks like & how modern medicine is treating this condition.
The 2nd Public Health Information Session is being held on the 16th June 2015 @ 7:00pm. Order your tickets now, as tickets are limited.
Phillip K Dick - Writer, Dreamer, Scizophrenia
Find out more about Schizophrenia, Psychosis and other mental illnesses at our Public Health Information Session. 1st Session 'Brain & Psychosis' 7:00pm 2nd June 2015.
Every human should be very much concerned about their mental status and those of their loved ones as it is not a pleasant experience. Learning about your mental health is therefore very important as it could help you to detect when there are issues with your mental health or that of your loved ones as early as possible and know what to do if you should notice any of the sign of mental ill-health.
Psychosis, Schizophrenia & the Artist
Psychosis is when the mind behaves in an abnormal way especially when the individual loses contact with reality. Schizophrenia is a leading cause of psychosis. Schizophrenia is a type of mental disorder which leads to not being able to recognize what is real and leads to abnormal social behavior. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions as well as disorganized speech and thinking. The major causes of schizophrenia include genetic (inherited from a parent), environment, developmental factors and usage of substance such as alcohol and drugs. A lot of individuals and popular figures have suffered from Schizophrenia one of which is Philip Kindred Dick.
Philip Kindred Dick was an American philosopher, essayist, short story writer and novelist. He was born six weeks premature along with his twin sister, Jane on the 16th of December 1928. They were born in Chicago to Mr. Joseph Edgar and Dorothy Kindred Dick. His twin sister later died after six weeks on the 26th of January, 1929. He attended John Eaton Elementary School in 1936 to 1938. He also attended Quaker schools. He became interested in science fiction in 1938 and read his first science fiction magazine in 1940. He graduated from Berkeley High School in California in 1947 and attended the University of California, Berkeley for a short period before he was granted an honorable dismissal on 1st of January 1950.
He believed that existence is founded on the internally-founded perception of an individual and it does not necessarily agree with external reality. He also pondered if metaphysical realms were possible after studying the works of Plato. He finally concluded that the world is not totally real and it cannot be confirmed if the world is really there or not. This conclusion is reflected in most of his novels.
'Blade Runner (1982)' adapted from Dick's novel 'Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep
He was a full time writer and sold his first story in 1951 at the age of 22. He wrote a lot of short stories and novels including Solar Lottery, the Tree Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch Ubik, Flow My Tear, the Policeman Said The Philip K. Dick Reader, Valis and Self Portrait among others. Some of his stories were converted into movies. Some of such stories include Ubik, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Total Recall, Confession d’un Barjo, Screamers, minority Report, Impostor, Paycheck and A Scanner Darkly, Next, Radio Free Albemuth and The Adjustment Bureau.
Schizophrenia's impact on Phillip K Dick
The effect of Schizophrenia on Dick made him to have a series of funny belief some of which he wrote down in his later works.
While recovering from the effects of sodium pentothal on the 20th of February, 1974, a young woman made a home delivery to him. He was attracted to the young woman as well as her golden necklace. He asked about the design of the necklace which was fish shaped and she replied that it was a sign which the early Christians used. He then named the design vesicle Pisces. He believed that a reflection of the sun on the gold necklace produced a pink beam which has the ability to impart clairvoyance and wisdom. There was also a case where he encountered another pink beam which imparted to him that his son who was still a baby was ill. He immediately took the child to the hospital where the child was confirmed to be ill.
Since his encounter with the young woman, he had series of hallucinations which he initially blamed as side effects from his medication. After weeks of no improvement however, he believed he experienced an invasion in his mind which made him feel he just became sane since he was born.
He referred to his hallucination experiences in February and March of 1974 as 2-3-74. He also believed his hallucinations had geometric patterns, and that he sometimes saw brief pictures of ancient Rome and Jesus.
With time, his hallucinations begin to increase in frequency and length and be believed that he lived two different lives, one as Thomas and the other as his real self. At some point, he also felt as if the spirit of prophet Elijah taken over him and he believed an episode from ‘Flow my tears, the policeman said’ was the exact details of a story in bible from the book of Acts which he had never come across.
He won a lot of awards and died on the 17th of February 1982 after suffering a series of stroke.
Psychosis can be incredibly powerful and the complexity of the human brain has ensured that much of it still remains a mystery; however science has come a long way in the last 100 years.
Join us at 7:00PM on June 2nd 2015, at the 1st session of our Mid-Year Public Health Information Session. Clinical Director Anneke Bull, who has over 30 years’ experience in Mental Health, will provide insight into the complexities of the human brain, how psychosis affects normal people and what to do if you or someone you know has a psychotic episode.
These mid-year sessions will provide you with a detailed education about mental health and dispel many of the lingering myths you might have about mental health.
[UPDATE: Limited tickets reaming for 1st & 2nd session, please book before they are sold out]
Owen Wilson - Actor, Writer, Depression
[TRIGGER WARNING – SUICIDE]
Suicide & Depression can be a part of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD & Phobias is 1 of the 6 key topics we are presenting at the Mid-Year Public Health Information Session. To find out more about this condition, purchase a ticket. UPDATE: Limited Seats remaining
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Owen Cunningham Wilson is a producer, writer, actor, voice over artist and avid skateboarder from Dallas in Texas. He is best known on screen for his humorous, quirky
He was born on the 18th of November 1968 to Robert Andrew Wilson and Laura Wilson. His father was the operator and an advertising executive of a television station while his mother was a photographer. He was the second child and had two brothers both of whom were also actors. Owen attended the New Institute Military Institute and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Texas in Austin.
His first role was acting as Dignan in the movie Bottle Rocket which he co-wrote with Wes Anderson in 1996. He also acted in the Cable Guy in the same year. He acted in 9 other movies between 1997 and the year 2000 before achieving fame in Shanghai Noon a movie he also acted in the year 2000. The movie was nominated for Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Best Action Team and Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor Musical or Comedy. His fame continued to rise in other movies which he acted including Behind Enemy Lines in 2001, I Spy in 2002, Shanghai Knights in 2003, Around the Word in 80 Days in 2004, Wedding Crashers in 2005, Cars in 2006, The Darjeeling Limited in 2007, Over Her Dead Body in 2008, Fantastic Mr. Fox in 2009, Marmaduke in 2010, Midnight in Paris in 2011, Free Birds in 2013, The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014 and No Escape in 2015.
He had two sons, the first from his ex-girlfriend, Jade Duell on the 14th of January 2011 and the second from his personal trainer, Caroline Lindqvist on the 30th of January 2014.
Owen Wilson’s battle with Mental Illness & Suicide
It wasn't all smooth for Owen Wilson however, as he had to battle with mental illness which led to him attempting suicide on 26th August, 2007. Luke Wilson, his brother, discovered him in a pool of blood and in a state of confusion and made a call to Santa Monical Police Station at about 12:00 noon on the fateful day. He took an overdose of pills and at the same time slit his wrist. His attempted suicide was however a shock to family and friends as none of them expected such an action from him. The general reason given for the attempted suicide was due to depression which is a form of mental health problem. Various reasons were however speculated to be the reason why he attempted to take his life.
Reason's behind his suicide attempt
One of these reasons were over-drinking, as it is believed that drinking consistently to deal with emotional issues exacerbates Depression. Another reason given was that artists normally experience ups and downs as part of their everyday life and perhaps he was just experiencing a down moment. Others also speculated that a break up with his then girlfriend Kate Hudson could have been responsible for the attempted suicide. While there seemed to be no effect of the break up on Kate, there were speculations that break up could have been stressful for him.
Some others also speculated that it could have been due to his involvement in drugs that led to the attempted suicide as evidenced by the fact that he was on an overdose of drugs when he was found. Others still, speculated that it was because he was single as it is believed that single guys are more at risk of committing suicide compared to married couples. They believed he was depressed because he intended to get married before the age of 30 but could not meet up even after he was 30. Others also claimed they had noticed a difference in him in recent times during get together as he was not always as excited about such meetings as he used to be initially. While others believed it was a combination of some or all of the factors listed above that led to the attempted suicide. No matter what the real reason was, it was linked to mental depression which could have cut shut his life as early as 8 years ago.
Treatment
After the attempted suicide, he was treated at the hospital for depression as confirmed by his lawyer. He has since regained his health and was able to continue to live a healthy and happy life after he was treated for the mental health problem. He has after the suicide attempt, acted over 20 movies.
AB Consultation and Counselling Service is a professional counselling psychology service that walks with people on their road to psychological recovery. For many years, we have been able to successfully help people move on with their lives, allowing them to get a hold of their condition and make progress. If you or someone you know suffers from any mental illness or you just want to talk to someone, please feel free to send us a message using the form below.
Emma Stone - Award-Winning Actor, Anxiety
The stigma that surrounds mental illness can make many sufferers reluctant to come forward and seek help, even though it is more available now than it has been in the past. We have come a long way on the road of evolution, in terms of admitting mental illness exists but we still have a long way to go towards understanding and accepting those that suffer its debilitating effects. One way in which awareness is coming about is the number of celebrities who are now coming forward and openly and honestly discussing their battles with depression, anxiety and panic disorders. Among the celebrities to do so most recently is Emma Stone, who has confirmed in several interviews how, she battled with panic disorder from a very young age.
More about Mental Illness
On The Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) website mental illness has been described as,’ a health condition that changes a persons thinking, feelings or behaviors (or all three) and that causes the person distress and difficulty functioning’ Family and close friends are also affected, and feel similar frustrations as the sufferer themselves, added to their sense of helplessness as they watch their loved one deal with the daily struggle. Emma Stone reported that her parents were so concerned about her behavior that they “took me to a therapist’. She goes on to explain that the therapist helped her find solutions to control and manager her panic, and it was through attending these sessions she discovered to desire to get into acting.
Mental illness conditions are different from medical conditions affecting brain function. Mental illness affects a person’s ability to think logically, feelings can be heightened and behaviors can be altered, conditions such as depression, anxiety and panic disorder, as well as schizophrenia, and some types of addictions and dependencies. Conditions affecting the brain have a neurological basis such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Societal views on mental illness and the stigma attached has made it difficult for sufferers of mental illness to be open about their condition and seek help, causing many to go un-diagnosed and unassisted in their struggle. Fears of being rejected, seen as weak, keep many silent. Changing society’s views towards mental illness is one major way we can de-mystify the stigma. The development of organizations like Life Line and Beyond Blue, have advanced access to help. Clients access these organizations by phone/online anonymously, giving them ability to deal with their condition in private if they wish. The trend of well-known celebrities coming forward and discussing their own battles with mental illness openly and honestly is also making it a little easier for the common person to admit to having a mental health condition and seeking help for that condition.
Emma Stone and Anxiety
Emma Stone one such actress to do so, according to interviews she has given on websites such as perezhilton.com and news.com.au, first began suffering panic attacks at age 8.
“I was this really anxious kid in grad school. I had my first panic attack when I was eight years old. I don’t know why, but as a kid I worried about things like our house burning down, and I’d wring my hands all the time. So my parents took me to a therapist. While I was figuring things out, something happened where I just thought, okay, all right I want to act”.
Stone goes on to explain that acting has given her a way to express and know herself, and skills to focus and control her panic when it occurs.
There are a core group of symptoms associated with mental illness, but this does not mean that every person suffering a mental illness will experience them all; symptoms can also be experienced in different degrees, ranging from mild to debilitating. During one of the above mentioned interviews Emma Stone described the experience of having a panic attack, “I was just kind of immobilized by it”, She explained, “I didn’t want to go to my friends houses or hang out with anybody, and no body really understood”.
Mental Illness - Battling Stigma & Accepting Help
It is only now as we bring the issue of mental illness out of the darkness, that our understanding and acceptance of this condition is undergoing a fundamental change. We have come a long way in the past twenty years, and we still have a long way to go, but through the bravery and courage of people like Emma Stone and the ordinary every day individuals who are working towards diminishing the stigma of this awful condition will we win. If you know someone or you yourself suffer from some form of mental illness be open to receiving help, whether it be from a professional or friends and family. We at AB Consultation & Counselling Services are always here to help you on your road to recovery
Anxiety, is 1 of the 6 key topics we are presenting at the Mid-Year Public Health Information Session.
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John Forbes Nash Jr. - Nobel Prize Winning Mathematician, Schizophrenia
It is often said that there is a fine line between genius and mentally ill, but John Nash proved throughout his life that sometimes you're both.
Born on 13th June, 1928 John Forbes Nash Junior is a mathematician who has greatly contributed to partial differential equations, game theory and differential geometry which have been used to give insight on issues governing events of systems of our day to day lives as well as chances.
His work is used in computing, economics, artificial intelligence, military theory, politics, accounting and evolutionary biology. He has served as a mathematics tutor in several institutions on and off due to his schizophrenia condition.
John Forbes Nash, Jr has greatly contributed to mathematics and is known for his publications such as The Bargaining Problem, Non-cooperative games, Real Algebraic Manifolds among many other publications and books.
John Nash's Success
Russell Crowe's portrayal of John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind' (2001)
The most notable among John Forbes Nash’s successes came in 1994 when together with John Harsanyi and Reinhard Selten they won the Nobel Memorial Prize on Economic Sciences; the two he shared this award with were however not mathematicians but game theorists. In 1978 he was awarded the John von Neumann Theory Prize in regard for the discovery of the Nash Equilibrium then referred to as non-cooperative equlibria.
He is said to have published twenty three scientific studies between 1945 to 1996. From Carnegie Mellon University he received an honorary doctorate degree in economics in 1999. The University of Naples Federicho II also awarded him a degree in 2003 in regard to his contribution to economics. In 2007 the University of Antwerp awarded him an honorary doctorate.
John Forbes Nash Jr is also known to have given key note speeches in several institutions across the country apart from getting elected to the American Mathematical Society as a fellow in 2011.
Youth and Education
John Forbes Nash, Jr who was named after his father an electrical engineer had one sister Martha who was two years younger than him. His mother Margaret Virginia Martin was a school teacher before she got married.
Nash attended both kindergarten and public school in his native home of Bluefield, West Virginia with both his grandparents and parents providing him with encyclopedias and books that he learned from. His parents had to pursue several opportunities to educate him and encouraged him to take course in advance mathematics when on hi final high school year at a local community college.
After high school Nash got a full scholarship to attend the then Carnegie Institute of Technology currently known as Carnegie Mellon University. At the beginning Nash majored in chemical engineering, at some point he changed to chemistry and by the time he was graduating he had a major in mathematics. After his graduation with an Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in 1948 Nash a scholarship to Princeton University for graduate studies in mathematics.
Nash was later accepted to Harvard after a one line recommendation “This man is a genius” but upon being offered a fellowship at Princeton’s mathematics department he opted to go there as he wanted to be close to his family and earned his Ph.D. in 1950.
John Nash and Schizophrenia
![Recent interview with John Nash (2012)[click to see interview]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/531b9f14e4b0baf9a0e72bf2/1429751061562-4WCBXGKB33HU85934HE9/john-nash-speaking-of-his-condition)
Recent interview with John Nash (2012)
[click to see interview]
He began showing signs of schizophrenia in early 1959 and was at one point described by his wife to be erratic. During his episodes he believed that men donning red ties belonged to a communist conspiracy not in favor of him and sent several letters to the embassies affirming the said men were forming a government. His mental condition got known to his colleagues in 1959 while giving a lecture at the Colombia University when he went out of topic.
He then got admitted to McLean hospital between May and April of 1959 and started his medication. In 1961 he was back in hospital for his condition and was put under antipsychotic medication as well as insulin shock therapy. Nash was once heard saying “I would not have had scientific ideas if I heard thought normally” in reference to his schizophrenic condition that he believes was caused by his unhappiness and the desire to be important and get recognition.
According to Nash he only started hearing voices in 1964 and developed a process of ignoring them and that at times he was taken to hospital without his consent. However after being in and out of hospital over a long period Nash says he decided to conform behaving normally rather experience “enforced rationality” and started rejecting his “politically oriented” and “delusionally influenced” thinking as he saw it as a waste of effort.
One memorable quote by Nash was “Though I had success in my research both when I was mad and when I was not, eventually I felt that my work would be better respected if I thought and acted like a ‘normal’ person.” At AB Consultation and Counselling we believe the stigma of mental illness often makes people hide their mental illness, leaving it untreated. We actively fight against this, hoping to promote a greater acceptance of mental illness by society. We encourage anyone suffering from a mental illness or know someone who is, to seek treatment from caring professionals. At AB Consultation and Counselling we walk with you, on your road to recovery.
Carrie Fisher - Actress, Author, Bipolar Disorder
Carrie Fisher is a talented actress who will always be remembered as Princess Leia from the Star Wars. While her fans saw her as an intergalatic princess taking on the likes of Vader, for Carrie Fisher, he battle between the light & dark side came in the form of Bipolar Disorder. Learn More...
Carrie Fisher is a talented actress who has played many parts since she first starred opposite Warren Beatty in Shampoo.
For many people, however, she was and always will be Princess Leia from the Star Wars franchise that made such a big hit in the 1970's.
While her fans see her as an intergalactic princess who is capable of taking on anything that comes her way, for much of her life Carrie Fisher has struggled with bipolar disorder.
Some of Fisher's other big hits in cinema include Austin Powers, The Blues Brothers, and When Harry Met Sally. She also revealed her talent as an author when she published Postcard from the Edge in 1987. Since then she has written three more books, Surrender the Pink, Delusions of Grandma, and Wishful Drinking. The last was most recently turned into a one woman play that Fisher says she still hasn't been able to watch, even though she knows that living it was tougher.
Carrie Fisher was originally diagnosed as an alcoholic and a drug addict. She went into rehab, but while the others in her group showed improvement, her condition only got worse as she sobered up. But while Fisher says that her drinking was a problem, it was actually her solution to the problems caused by her bipolar disorder.
When unmedicated, Fisher reports that she tends to be more manic than depressive. She said that the mania would make her very impatient because she was moving faster than everyone around her. She told WebMD that she felt "out of step with the world" (1). She understands people who turn to drugs to escape their own mental disorders because she knows that sometimes you just do whatever it takes to escape how you're feeling at the moment.
Fisher doesn't like to think about how her illness has affected her career because it cannot be changed. She told the Herald-Tribune that the only thing you can do is "cross your fingers and hope you don't get gobsmacked by it in the middle of something."(2).
She still feels that there is a stigma attached to mental disorders, as well as some treatments associated with it. She openly discusses her shock treatment in her memoirs, which is particularly uncomfortable for most people. She has hope that the stigma is fading, more in some parts of the world than others, and that awareness is growing.
For those suffering from bipolar disorder, medication can make a big difference. There is no need to feel ashamed or to refuse treatment. Fisher is accepting her role as the poster child for this disorder by refusing to let it define her, which is important for anyone with the same condition to remember. Her advice for anyone who is afraid of pursuing their dreams because of their disorder is to "stay afraid, but do it anyways."(2).
There is always help available for those suffering from bipolar or any other mental illness. If you need help, contact AB Consultation & Counselling Services to speak to a caring counselor.