Catherine Zeta-Jones Talks Bipolar Battle: "There Is No Shame"

Oscar winner speaks out to People about her disorder, says there is "no need to suffer silently"

By Gina Serpe Apr 20, 2011 3:04 PMTags
Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta JonesMichael Buckner/Getty Images

Following her surprising revelation last week that she not only suffers from bipolar disorder, but checked herself into a mental health facility in order to ease her struggle, Catherine Zeta-Jones is speaking out about her affliction.

Make that, her all too common affliction.

"This is a disorder that affects millions of people, and I am one of them," the 41-year-old Oscar winner told People.

And she's one of them who's already doing her best to put not only a face, but a voice to the disorder.

"If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it," she said. "There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help."

Earlier this month, the mother of two and wife of Michael Douglas checked into Silver Hill Hospital, a facility in New Canaan, Conn. She remained in the facility for five days while she sought treatment.