The world jokes about Charlie Sheen but it’s likely he’s suffering from bipolar disorder, which is a serious mental illness. And substance abuse is common side effect of bipolar disorder.
Charlie’s latest antics and ongoing media tour has everyone talking, and it doesn’t take long when watching or listening to suspect there are some serious mental health issues at work. And chances are good that Sheen is dealing with more than a substance abuse problem – maybe even bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is all too common and some of the symptoms aren’t all that different from what we’re seeing in Charlie Sheen.
Consider these common signs of a manic episode:
Denial of a problem
Increased energy, activity, rapid talking, thinking and agitation
Trouble sleeping
Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
Poor judgment
Sustained periods of unusual, even bizarre behavior with significant risk-taking
Provocative or obnoxious behavior
Unrealistic belief in one’s own abilities
Increased sex drive
Substance abuse
Well, it pretty much goes without saying that Sheen is exhibiting most, if not all, of the manic behaviors above. And, while the jokes are funny and there’s head shaking in abundance, it’s really quite sad.
Charlie Sheen needs help. Chances are good that he’s either suffering from bipolar disorder or some other mental health disorder and he needs treatment. Alcohol and substance abuse often happen in conjunction with some other co-occuring mental health disorder, and Sheen is probably a safe bet to hold out as a prime example of just that.
Image Credit: mamapop.com
Some people don’t want help.
George – hardly anyone wants help when they’re manic because mania just plain feels good. Take it from someone who’s been there. That doesn’t mean that the same person won’t want help when they finally crash and burn.
It breaks my heart when these young people go through all of this on such a grand scale – and stage. Though we can learn so much from them about our own behavior, and even, is cases like this, our own addictions and our own imperfect psyches, I find it fascinating (and sad). Still, perhaps some people live lives – with energy that is so huge and wide – that only a public scathing CAN get their attention. Certainly they have signed up, in some way, to serve the ongoing unfolding of our own consciousness.
From a humanitarian viewpoint, he needs to be pitied and he needs help. He should not be on a world tour to exploit suffering from his illness. This is going to be very embarrasing for him when he comes “down” from his manic high. I wonder why his family doesn’t do more to help him out right now?