Possible trigger-Britney Spears, the media and BiPolar
 

Now this is a topic that has been rumbling in my head for days now as I watch the media run over and over again this trainwreck happening.
Is all this media play giving us with BP a bad name because of her manic behavior or is she? Or is it both?
Questions, comments queries?

I have not been watching it much but it seems like it would be a combination of both.
hi wendy!:Wave-Hello:
bizi

i don't think the situation is any reflection of people suffering with mental/emotional/physical illness.

if anything, it is a witness to the destruction of an unhealthy lifestyle ~ children that grow up to fast ~ broken families ~ lack of education ~ etc.. etc...

It's the media....they have to make a three ring circus of everything. ~sigh

I think she got set off by having two babies very close together. She might not even exactly have bipolar. If I were to guess, she started with a kind of Postnatal psychosis:

She has a few of these symptoms -- my guess anyway because I am not there:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postnatal_depression

Her seeming inability to take care of her babies -- even with hired help -- does not seem to be a bipolar symptom by itself.

She calls the photographers before she goes out in her car at night. She wants them surrounding her for some reason.

I don't see how she gives anybody a bad name.

She is educating some people a bit.

Mari

I think that it is a shame that the media is exploiting an obviously ill young woman, but I think that putting the concept of bipolar disorder before a mass market can only be good.

I think it could be a good thing also. She could be an advocate one day.

befuddled2

I agree that making the public more aware of the symptoms of bipolar is for the general good. I am sure I have read that something like most bipolars go aren't given the proper diagnosis and left in the dark. I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my fifties. You can imagine how much I beat myself up about my symptoms and calling them personality flaws. It was only through the internet that I learned there was the bipolar II diagnosis. Of course I knew about manic depression but only bipolar I which I didn't fit.
I feel sorry for her...the pain she must be going through. Maybe this will finally have a good outcome for her if she is bipolar.
Bobby

What an interesting question.
I have noticed that at least in the mainstream media, no one is using the word "bipolar." However, folks are now using the word "manic."
I do think that many folks within the population are not sure what this word means/implies. Some might realize that it can be a part of mental illness, but unless the specific word "bipolar" is attached to it, it wont necessarily "click."
However, if you have a family member or friend or if you yourself are bipolar, of course you will be very familiar with the word "manic" and sensitive to its use. For many folks the word "manic" goes hand in hand with bipolar illness. But again, not everyone would put the two together automatically.

I do see that her probable dx of bipolar is becoming more and more up for discussion. I think that there are many good sides to having the public aware of the difficulties of bipolar illness.

In terms of giving "bipolar" a bad name...my only criticism...would be that she is taking a long time to get and/or stay on her medication. However, she more than likely has a lot of trust issues to work through. I also think its been a little sicko the way the media has been ridiculing her and waiting for her next "inappropriate" move with baited breath.

I have been very concerned about Brittney, because although it is very hard (basically impossible) to say what is really going on, there are indications of mental illness and that she is troubled and hurting. Also, really no idication that she is getting good/consistent/real help. I hope and pray that she finds someone she trusts and gets the treatment she needs and is willing and able to take all the steps needed toward better/good health.

from what
 

I have seen so far, most of Ms. Spears' problems are induced by recreational drug abuse.

I don't see how anyone can consume what she has been doing and appear normal.

After she dries out, if ever, then more rational thought can be done to evaluate her. Whether she has Bipolar in fact, or perhaps just a nasty mix of personality disorders, remains to be seen.

I think it's a good thing for people with BD to have someone so prominent diagnosed/tagged with the bipolar label and to have the media positively approve of her "getting help" for it as opposed to calls for her to be arrested, or for her to be deprived of custody permanently. I've been relieved that the judge in the case and that the family (most, anyway) have been supportive of her getting medical care, as opposed to criminal/punitive reactions.

Also, fyi, I had severe postpartum depression and her behavior is not PPD!

Hi, Molly,

I said Postnatal Psychosis -- not depression.
This can occur with almost anything -- along with BP, drug use, personality disorders and all kinds of other stuff. She could have multiple diagnoses.

Mostly, I was making a wild suggestion since none us have met her or her drs or know anything about what is really going on with her.

M.

mrsd
Self medication/addiction is high on the list for most suffering mental illness or BP.

I just find this whole story rather Sad......

David

Of course...
 

And it is also high in antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic, and histrionic, and borderline.

I just would like to see things cleared up better, before labels are given.
Celebrity types indulge heavily in drugs also because they are rich and can afford it and peer pressure is high.

In fact I even read one account that suspected she was a multiple personality. :confused:

I think it is best to get her cleaned up, get her good therapy, and then if she is willing to share, we'll see. I for one think the term "bipolar" is thrown around too freely these days. Most people don't even know what the term means!

When the dust settles and she is indeed bipolar, if she can become a spokesperson, that would be great. Like Patty Duke did. Or Margo Kidder (even tho her solution was not a mainstream one).

Britny's Recreational Drugs
 

Does anyone know what drugs Britny is using? I haven't read much about her but I assume that good old booze is the numero uno. Mrs. D, you referred to this subject, do you remember what drugs are involved? Some of her behaviors suggest "speed".

Recently, I read that one of the paparazzi whom she seems to court announced that he was her "boyfriend". This was followed within hours by his wife announcing that they were separating.

Cordially,

now these are media things...
 

not totally believeable--

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...xposed_by.html

http://www.hollywood.com/news/Britne...d_Pals/3660849

http://www.slate.com/id/2160383/
Then there were the "suckers".. many recreational drugs now come in sucker form (to imitate fentanyl)...and many things may be in them: examples

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/suckers.asp

Wild dieting? suggests uppers...which suggests mania.

Most of the "drug" reporting preceded the babies. But not all. Alcohol remains the biggest.

All of it is rumor, and so are the bipolar comments. Until she gets the proper help no one knows for sure.

Thank you everyone for not thinking I was full of crapola.
I just see a little of me in her and it is hard not to think of the time I was committed to a ward.
So I was just wondering if anyone was seeing what I was seeing.
I hope she finally get the help she needs AND because of her experience and exposure becomes a bright star in bringing awareness to mental illness, no matter what she finally ends up being dx'd with.

They announced...
 

in the media that BS will be kept another 14 days at the place she is at now.

That is good...keep her away from other drugs... so hope eternal thrives!

About the psychosis....I think it's up for debate whether it be post-partum induced or drug induced? It will be nice if she can 'clean' herself up a bit and get a proper diagnosis. It would be nice for the media to take this as a forum for educating the public....maybe more people would/could get help sooner...just a thought....

I was just reading an article that discussed how many therapists are upset that there has been so many armchair dx's. I think the reason some things have been mentioned by folks...professionals and lay people alike, is because many who are familiar with mental illness have seen her symptoms. The fact that she continues in this downward spiral is concerning.

I think Mrs. D has an excellent point in that if she is using...all bets are off in terms of figuring out what is going on. AND it has crossed my mind that "Bipolar" has become the buzz word of late (thrown around way too much).

Bottom line, only a Dr./a trained professional who sees her can know for sure.

It also mentioned:
" But even more.....it (dxing from afar) could actually harm Spears by preventing her from getting the real help she needs. And on a broader scale, such therapy-by-media could discourage other troubled people from seeking care as well."

It talked about labels and how powerful and painful they are. Especially if you or your family has been touched by mental illness, you know how devastating this is.

I do hope that whatever the issue (s) may be, that she receives the proper dx and care.

Like mentioned by Fiberowendy; it would be a particular blessing if some day she could be a role model for those who are hurting in a similar way (ways).

In my mind she is in great pain and has the added burdens of being so well known and subject to folks wanting to cash in on her fame.

I agree with David, the entire ordeal is very sad.
I do think she could use our good thoughts and prayers.

Here is the article:
http://www.baynews9.com/content/87/2...23/319415.html

Thank you Vowel Lady!
I have a funny feeling that she is going to be in the ward for quite a bit longer that most people realize. There are all sorts of predictions out there. I feel that the longer she is in there the better it will be. That way if drugs are the issue, they will detox her; if she has a severe mental disorder she will get the help that she needs.
At least now, she will be forced to take her meds. I read she was trying to avoid doing that and now that the 2 week status has been approved they can force her to take her meds.

I just wish the photogs and gossip hounds would leave the hospital alone and let them do their job.

Hi,

Forced!?
That is distrurbing to contemplate for patients and patients' rights groups.
Does anyone know the laws of California regarding this?

Mari

i read that too about the law if the person might hurt themselves
Bobby

Spear's manager is accused of drugging her....
 

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A restraining order aimed at Britney Spears' sometimes manager Sam Lutfi alleges that he took over her life and finances, drugged her and controlled the paparazzi who pursued her for months.

The order, based on a lengthy declaration from Spears' mother, Lynne, says that Spears met Lutfi in October 2007 and "Mr. Lutfi has essentially moved into Britney's home and has purported to take control of her life, home and finances."
The documents released by the court Tuesday ordered him to stay away from her and stop harassing. In a section of the order that detailed previous harassment, Lynne Spears said "Mr. Lutfi drugged Britney, he has cut Britney's home phone lines and removed her cell phone chargers. He yells at her. He claims to control everything—Britney's business manager, her attorneys and the security guards at the gate."
Spears' father has been granted control of her finances until Valentine's Day by a judge who also barred the troubled pop star from contacting Lutfi.
Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz also appointed a physician Monday to evaluate whether Spears, who is in a psychiatric ward, is competent to make decisions.
Her father, James Spears, and an attorney were granted conservatorship last week after the 26-year-old was hospitalized for the second time in two months following increasingly bizarre behavior.
The commissioner extended that conservatorship until Feb. 14. It allows Spears' father, and attorney Andrew Wallet, to make decisions involving the singer's assets and even who enters her home.
The commissioner also tried to further distance Spears from Lutfi, who sometimes spoke on her behalf and had been seen escorting her about town.
Spears was ordered to have no contact with him by phone, texting, or any other means. The commissioner extended a restraining order against Lutfi that was issued last week, although court spokesman Allan Parachini said the original order had not yet been served.

Well I guess the point is now moot since she is out and about!:eek:

Wow. I am stunned that she's out already. All we can do is hope that she's going to continue to seek out treatment on her own accord, I know I did and many of you have right? I mean I can remember what it was like before, and I did want people to control things because I felt no confidence in my decision making abilities. That is probably what's up with her, and racing thoughts, oh man that was so hard to live with, once I tried medication and that WENT AWAY I for the first time in my life felt normal! :cool:

I might be one who needs meds for the remainder of my life and that's just fine with me. I just wish I could get a message to Brit, tell her it's okay to be in pain, but that mental illness happens to many people and hers could definitely have been brought on by two babies being born too close to each other, I always wondered about that when they said she was pregnant again. :(