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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Brief Introduction to Depression
Depression has been prevalent since the dawn of human existence, but prior to the 1920’s, Depression was known as Melancholia. Depression is more than just feelings of sadness; it is a physically and mentally draining illness that impacts the daily lives of its sufferers. Failing to seek out treatment can lead to devastating consequences like social network breakdown, physical deterioration, self-harm and suicide. Get a brief introduction to Depression.
This article gives a brief overview of Depression, a, find out more about Depression at our Public Health Information Session 'Bipolar & Depression' 7:00pm 30th June 2015.
[Trigger Warning – Depression & Suicide]
What is Depression
Depression is more than just feelings of sadness; it is a physically and mentally draining illness that impacts the daily lives of its sufferers. It is completely normal to feel sad if something upsetting happens to you, whether losing a job or breaking up with your partner; feeling sad after these events is completely normal. Depression is a far greater and more pervasive mood disorder, where feelings of sadness or being depressed do not go away after a normal period of time (i.e. 2-3 weeks).
Depression is a serious illness and due to the stigma attached to ‘being depressed’ and societal ignorance of mental illness, sufferer can often go untreated or be afraid to seek help. Depression, like a broken foot or Influenza, is a real disease/condition that requires medical treatment. Failing to seek out treatment can lead to devastating consequences like social network breakdown, physical deterioration, self-harm and suicide.
Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you know has been having suicidal thoughts or engaged in self-harming, it is incredibly important you speak to someone immediately about it. Speak with a person you trust, like a family, friend, counsellor or teacher.
If you need to speak to someone now about you depressed mood and suicidal thoughts, please call an emergency mental health services like Lifeline 13 11 14.
Symptoms of Depression
The following are some examples of symptoms of Depression that people with Depression may exhibit. If you read these symptoms of Depression and think ‘wow, that’s me’ or ‘that sounds like my partner/friend/etc.’, you should speak to your GP (or ask your partner/friend/etc. about their feelings and encourage them to see a GP).
Symptoms of Depression – Feelings
- Lacking confidence, indecisive
- Feeling guilty, overwhelmed, alone
- Irritable, unhappy, frustrated, miserable and sad
Symptoms of Depression – Behaviour
- Choosing to withdraw from close family and friends, not going out anymore
- Work/School activities are not being completed, struggle to concentrate
- Relying on sedatives and/or alcohol
- Not doing activities you used to enjoy, finding it hard to do activities because of their lack of fulfillment and/or enjoyment
Symptoms of Depression – Thoughts
- “It’s all my fault”, “I failed again/ I fail everyday”, “I am completely worthless”,
- “No one would come to my funeral”, “Why am I being kept alive?”, “I could be lying here dead and no one would know”, “People would be better off without me.”
- “Life is sh%t, and no one cares”, “My life is a complete mess”
Symptoms of Depression – Physical
- Feeling tired, sick & rundown all the time
- Headaches, churning gut, muscular pains
- Problems with sleep
- Changing appetite, significant non-attributable (i.e. increased exercise) weight loss or weight gain
History of Depression
Depression has been prevalent since the dawn of human existence, but prior to the 1920’s, Depression was known as Melancholia. The ancient Greeks attributed Depression to an imbalance of the four humors; with the term melancholia meaning ‘black bile’. In the 11th Century, the Persian physician Avicenna, described in his work ‘The Canon of Medicine’ [1] Melancholia as a depressive mood disorder and this became the standard of medical thought throughout Europe and central Asia for many centuries.
Whilst numerous enlightenment & romantic era scholars, physicians & psychiatrists contributed to refining Depression, it wasn’t known as Depression until 20th Century psychiatrist Kurt Schneider coined the terms ‘reactive depression’ and ‘endogenous depression’ in the 1920’s. In the 1970s, Us Clinicians proposed the term Major Depressive Disorder and over the last 50 years there have been numerous scholarly debates and research into Depression.
Getting Help for Depression & Suicidal Thoughts
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in Australia; and the 3rd most common of all diseases within Australia [2]. If you or someone you knows is displaying symptoms of Depression, then you should talk to a close person about your feelings; ask them to listen to you and refrain from offering advice, as you really just need someone to care. Seeing your GP if you are displaying some Depression symptoms is a good step; as they can help point you in the right direction and refer you to trained professional. Lastly, there a numerous organisations out there that can help you such as: BeyondBlue, Headspace & Lifeline. AB Consultation and Counselling is available to help guide you on your road to recovery and deal with your Depression.
If you found this interesting and you want to learn more about Depression, then be sure to purchase your ticket for our Bipolar and Depression Seminar; hosted on 30th June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Clinical Director, Anneke Bull is providing an in-depth presentation about Bipolar and Depression. Anneke Bull spent over 30 years working in the public mental healthcare system and she has seen it all.
So if you are interested in learning more about the interesting world of Bipolar and Depression, then you won’t want to miss out on this presentation.
Brief Introduction to Bipolar disorder
This article gives a brief overview of Bipolar Disorder, a, find out more about Bipolar Disorder at our Public Health Information Session 'Bipolar & Depression' 7:00pm 30th June 2015.
History of Bipolar Disorder
Whilst manic and depressed moods have been observed throughout human history, it was not until the mid-19th century that researchers slowly started putting together the bipolar puzzle. Jules Baillarger, a French neurologist, described a biphasic mental illness that saw sufferers move between periods of mania and depression; he called this condition folie à double forme or dual form insanity. Meanwhile in Germany, Emil Kraepelin coined the term ‘Manic Depressive Psychosis’, describing how untreated bipolar patients displayed periods of acute depression or mania, followed by periods of mostly symptom-free normality. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when German psychiatrists Karl Kleist and Karl Leonhard, coined the term ‘Bipolar’ as a sub-classification of manic-depressive reactions.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder currently has four disorders along the Bipolar Disorder Spectrum, they are:
- Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by at least one manic or mixed episode and usually involves extreme/more severe mood episodes, ranging between manic and depressive episodes. Psychotic episodes may also be present. - Bipolar 2 Disorders
Bipolar 2 Disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one episode of hypomania (a milder version of mania). - Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder is a bipolar disorder describing hypomanic episodes with brief periods of less severe/long lasting depression. - Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified
Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified is a condition which does not fall neatly into the above 3 conditions, but still has some symptoms of the Bipolar Disorder (mania and/or depressed episodes).
Bipolar Disorder’s High or Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are periods characterized by elevated and/or irritated moods. These periods are the manic ‘highs’ of bipolar disorder and usually last from a couple of days to a week. Whilst in one of these manic episodes, a person may feel a sense of euphoria and boundless energy. This is further expressed through their rapid speech, racing thoughts and their lack of a desire to sleep. Other common elements of manic episodes include the sufferer being less concerned with what others think of them and the engagement of inappropriate or risky behaviours. Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking & speech are also possible during a manic episode.
The experiences of a manic episode can be quite scary for some sufferers, whilst others find them very enjoyable (as said before, they feel really high). The latter is a great concern, as sufferers are less likely to seek help, as they don’t feel that there is anything wrong.
Bipolar Disorder’s Lows or Depressive Episodes
The lows of Bipolar Disorder are the depressive episodes; and as the name suggests, they are quite unpleasant. Whilst in a depressive episode, a person may have feelings of lowered mood; such as irritability, sadness, and tearfulness. They may experience a loss of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities and have lowered motivation and energy. Changes in a person’s appetite, weight and sleeping patterns; also occur. They may also have feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and have issues with concentration & memory. Thoughts about suicide are also not uncommon whilst in a depressive episode.
This has been a brief introduction to Bipolar Disorder, a condition that affects 51 million people worldwide, and over 285,000 Australians. If you found this interesting and you want to learn more, then be sure to purchase your ticket for our Bipolar and Depression Seminar; hosted on 30th June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Clinical Director, Anneke Bull is providing an in-depth presentation about Bipolar and Depression. Anneke Bull spent over 30 years working in the public mental healthcare system and she has seen it all.
So if you are interested in learning more about the interesting world of Bipolar and Depression, then you won’t want to miss out on this presentation.
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.
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.