Many famous individuals suffered with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by extreme high mood swings (mania) and extreme low mood swings (depression) afflicts millions of Americans and even more people worldwide. Americans have long been fascinated with famous people who overcame the obstacle of mental illness to lead successful lives, even if some have met with admittedly tragic endings. Bipolar disorder does not discriminate among the famous--writers, musicians, actors, sports figures and even presidents have suffered with the affliction.
Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller, a well-known comedic actor has starred in dozens of movies. In 2005, he admitted he suffers with bipolar disorder and that it runs in his family.
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe, a 19th century poet and author, wrote dozens of poems, short stories and novels. Known for his dark writings, he is thought to have been afflicted with the disorder.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, overcame horrendous conditions as early as 1854 to care for the sick and dying. According to Dr. Kathy Wisner, an expert in mood disorders, the famous nurse exhibited symptoms typical of those suffering with bipolar disorder.
Margaret Trudeau
At age 22, Canada's Margaret Trudeau became the youngest first lady in the country's history. In 2001, she checked herself into a hospital and was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson, a well-known and controversial actor, has acted and started in dozens of movies since his first famous move, "Mad Max," in 1979. He has admitted to suffering from bipolar disorder.
Darryl Strawberry
A Hall of Fame baseball player, Daryl Strawberry played 17 years in the major leagues and held a Mets' record for most runs batted in and most hits. He also received honors as Rookie of the Year. He has also been plagued with medical and mental health issues related to bipolar disorder.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the famous 1990s band met with a tragic ending after committing suicide in 1994. His family suffered with extensive mental illness, classic for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His cousin, Bev Cobain, herself a registered nurse, revealed Kurt's struggle with the disease.
Abraham Lincoln
Perhaps the most respected of the United States presidents, Abraham Lincoln battled suicidal thoughts brought on by bipolar disorder.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill, who is often credited with winning Word War II when all odds were against him and the country of Britain, also suffered with bipolar disorder.
George Frederick Handel
The famous composer who composed the well-loved and often performed "Handel's Messiah" and a multitude of other classical music suffered from bipolar disorder.
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