Anupam Kher's battle with bipolar disorder: The warning sign he didn't ignore
Carrie Fisher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 24. Actor Anupam Kher recently revealed his decade-long struggle with the condition, marked by insomnia and extreme mood shifts, and now advocates for mental health awareness.
Carrie Fisher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 24. Actor Anupam Kher recently revealed his decade-long struggle with the condition, marked by insomnia and extreme mood shifts, and now advocates for mental health awareness.
Carrie Fisher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 24. Actor Anupam Kher recently revealed his decade-long struggle with the condition, marked by insomnia and extreme mood shifts, and now advocates for mental health awareness.
Star Wars fame actress Carrie Fisher once said in jest, 'I am actually in the abnormal psychology textbook. Obviously my family is so proud.' The actress was referring to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 24. A lifelong mental health condition that results in extreme shifts in mood, the World Health Organisation says it affects around 54 million people worldwide. Recently, Indian actor Anupam Kher also revealed his silent struggle with the disease. He spoke about it during an episode of journalist-influencer Faridoon Shahryar's podcast. The actor said he has been handling the condition for over a decade.
How the struggle began in 2011
The actor revealed that his battle with the condition dates back to 2011, a period that coincided with the release of his debut motivational book, The Best Thing About You Is You. What began as persistent sleep issues eventually spiralled into a severe health crisis. Kher recalled suffering from chronic insomnia, experiencing extreme difficulty falling asleep during both the day and night.
A surprising referral
The lack of rest soon began taking a physical toll on him. Kher recounted that he was barely sleeping at night, and by the next morning, looking at any bright light caused excruciating pain in his eyes. Desperate for relief, he visited an eye specialist, expecting a prescription for simple eye drops to ease his discomfort.
Instead of treating it as a purely physical ailment, the doctor recommended that Kher consult a psychiatrist. The suggestion initially baffled the actor, who is known for his highly optimistic and energetic outlook on life. However, the doctor remained firm. To spare Kher from public attention, paparazzi, and eager fans seeking selfies at a hospital, the doctor arranged a private consultation with the psychiatrist.
Accepting the diagnosis
Following an in-depth assessment, the psychiatrist diagnosed Kher with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Rather than keeping the diagnosis under wraps, the actor chose to confront it head-on. He decided to embrace his reality, continuing his professional treatment and resolving to work as an advocate for mental health awareness to inspire others.
Understanding bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, historically known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, says the Mayo Clinic. These shifts can severely impact a person's ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
The condition typically manifests in three main forms:
1. Bipolar I disorder: Characterised by severe manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care.
2. Bipolar II disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes typical of Bipolar I.
3. Cyclothymic disorder: Involves periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years, though the symptoms do not meet the full diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic or depressive episode.