You Are Not Alone – Stephen Fry, Actor, Writer, Presenter, Bipolar Disorder

This article covers Stephen Fry's struggle with Bipolar Disorder, find out more about Bipolar Disorder at our Public Health Information Session 'Bipolar & Depression' 7:00pm 30th June 2015.

Stephen John Fry is an English comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and activist.

A Brit beloved by many on and off screen, for decades  Stephen Fry has been struggling with highs & lows of Bipolar disorder. 

 

After a troubled childhood and adolescence, during which he was expelled from two schools and spent three months in prison for credit card fraud, he secured a place at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. Fry's acting roles include a Golden Globe Award–nominated lead performance in 'Wilde', Melchett from BBC's Blackadder, host of the British TV show 'QI' and numerous other roles in TV and Film. 

Stephen Fry has experienced mental health problems for much of his life. But it wasn't until he was 37 that he was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

"I'd never heard the word before, but for the first time I had a diagnosis that explains the massive highs and miserable lows I've lived with all my life."  - Stephen Fry

During research for his documentary 'The Secret Life of The Manic Depressive', Stephen found out that the illness affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK. He was also dismayed to discover the extent of prejudice surrounding mental health problems. 

"'I want to speak out, to fight the public stigma and to give a clearer picture of mental illness that most people know little about." – Stephen Fry


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What is...Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by periods of elevated mood and periods of depression. The elevated mood is significant and is known as mania or hypermania depending on the severity or whether there is psychosis. During mania an individual feels or acts abnormally happy, energetic, or irritable. 

They often make poorly thought out decisions with little regard to the consequences. The need for sleep is greatly reduced. During periods of bipolar induced depression there may be crying, poor eye contact with others, and a negative outlook on life.


He spent years drinking vodka and taking cocaine to numb the internal anguish of his depression, brought about by his bipolar. Fry fears the growing intensity of his attacks of depression and says he is "in a very sort of black state" but remains undecided about whether he needs medical treatment.

"It's tormented me all my life with the deepest of depressions while giving me the energy and creativity that perhaps has made my career." – Stephen Fry

It is true that there has been research into links between bipolar disorder and creativity, and plenty of creative people have had the disorder, this does not mean that people with bipolar are born with an easel in one hand and a typewriter in the other.

"I always heard voices in my head saying what a useless bastard I am, but the voice is my own. It is my own voice, telling me what a worthless lump of s##t I am." – Stephen Fry

It is encouraging that Fry has gone public with the incident, but instructive that it took him up to a year to find the wherewithal to do so. For depression, suicide and attempted suicide remain matters that are tinged with shame. That the shame is being dispersed at all is due to people such as Fry, this brilliant, charming, 55-year-old man who possesses the courage to stand in front of the world and acknowledge his illness, shining more light on bipolar.

 

People with bipolar and other mental illnesses fear being grouped together in one big inescapable box, labeled ‘crazy’ and forgotten about by society. The bravery of Stephen Fry takes us one step closer to a world in which this is understood and recognized in all areas of private and public life.

Ending the stigma of mental illness helps many people suffering seek help, unafraid of societal judgment. If you are living with a mental illness or need to speak to someone, don’t be afraid to seek help. AB Consultation and Counseling Services offers help and support for anyone in need; contact us now and start on your road to recovery.


Stephen Fry is one of 51 million people worldwide who struggles with Bipolar Disorder. If you found this article interesting and you want to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, 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.

Bipolar & Depression

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.


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You Are Not Alone - Zach Braff, Comedian, Actor, Director, Depression

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Potential link between binge-watching TV & depression and feelings of loneliness