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Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: The Carrie Fisher Way

Posted By : Administrator Tuesday 03 Jan, 2017
Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: The Carrie Fisher Way

I have two moods. One is Roy, rollicking Roy, the wild ride of a mood. And Pam, sediment Pam, who stands on the shore and sobs ... Sometimes the tide is in, sometimes it's out.

                                                                             - Carrie Fisher                                                                                                                                                   

When news of Carrie Fisher’s death broke on 27 December 2016, Star Wars fans around the world knew that the Force had dimmed a little. 

A brilliant actress, Carrie Fisher was one of the few celebrities who had no problems discussing her issues in public, and yet did not allow them to define her. The Star Wars heroine lived as she acted—without fear. She suffered from bipolar disorder and was outspoken about it, encouraging people to face their demons and not be ashamed about their internal struggles. 

‘I don't want to be a victim,’ she said, a sentiment that best describes her outlook on life and how she dealt with situations that came her way. Not one to let problems get the best of her, Carrie learnt to manage her disorder, showing the world just how similar she was to the spunky Princess Leia.

Bipolar disorder, commonly referred to as manic depression, is a brain disorder characterised by radical shifts in mood, spikes and drops in energy levels, sadness, fatigue, and disruption in sleep and eating patterns. 

The disorder is generally defined by two types of phases. 

• Periods of an extreme high, where feelings of exhilaration are prominent, known as the  manic phase.

• Periods of an extreme low, where feelings of sadness and grief are prominent depressive phase 

Apart from this, a patient may suffer from hypomania, a state of excitement that is higher than that of the average person but lower than that experienced during mania. Also, it is a misconception that a person with bipolar disorder constantly fluctuates between just these two phases. 

Bipolar disorder is known to be tough to diagnose, with it sometimes being confused for similar mental illnesses. Like most other brain disorders, getting the patient to acknowledge their problems is the most difficult aspect in the journey towards recovery. Carrie Fisher, for example, denied her diagnosis for four years. 

‘I was told that I was bipolar when I was 24 but was unable to accept that diagnosis until I was 28 when I overdosed and finally got sober,’ she said in a column she wrote for The Guardian. The highs of the illness, which can result in high levels of productivity, lead people to believe they are doing just fine. They'd much rather believe that the bouts of depression are the problem. 

Living with bipolar disorder is not easy, and not an experience to be shouldered alone. While family and friends can help patients the most by being their support system, professional help guides individuals to structure their life, handle episodes and come to terms with their condition. Carrie Fisher, the heroic princess in our hearts, is a shining example of how bipolar disorder need not hold you back.


Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Click here to reach out to an expert or call +91 9911775626.