Glenn Close Partners with Sister to Lift Stigma of Mental Illness
Recently, the Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress teamed up with her sister Jessie to help end the stigma of mental illness by producing a public service announcement.
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November 18, 2009
Glenn Close is one of Hollywood's icons, but until recently few of her fans knew she is also a co-survivor of mental illness as her sister has struggled with life-long bipolar disorder.
Recently, the Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress teamed up with her sister Jessie to help end the stigma of mental illness by producing a public service announcement which was shot at the Grand Central Station in New York, and embarked on a media tour that included an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America.
In that interview, the sisters talked about the lack of understanding of mental disorders when they were growing up, which significantly delayed Jessie's diagnosis.
The actress's sister also offered advice to viewers, saying "be patient with yourself, love yourself" and rely on a trusted support network, while Close, who shot to fame with her 1987 role in Fatal Attraction, added that thanks to better therapeutic methods it is now possible for people with mental problems to thrive and live full and productive lives.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that bipolar disorder affects some 5.7 million American adults.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, which accepts donations from interested individuals, says people with bipolar disorder face up to 10 years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, although there are effective methods of treating the condition.
That is why it is important to seek medical evaluation for symptoms that include unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods and go from severe depression to euphoria and back.
Glenn Close is one of Hollywood's icons, but until recently few of her fans knew she is also a co-survivor of mental illness as her sister has struggled with life-long bipolar disorder.
Recently, the Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress teamed up with her sister Jessie to help end the stigma of mental illness by producing a public service announcement which was shot at the Grand Central Station in New York, and embarked on a media tour that included an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America.
In that interview, the sisters talked about the lack of understanding of mental disorders when they were growing up, which significantly delayed Jessie's diagnosis.
The actress's sister also offered advice to viewers, saying "be patient with yourself, love yourself" and rely on a trusted support network, while Close, who shot to fame with her 1987 role in Fatal Attraction, added that thanks to better therapeutic methods it is now possible for people with mental problems to thrive and live full and productive lives.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that bipolar disorder affects some 5.7 million American adults.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, which accepts donations from interested individuals, says people with bipolar disorder face up to 10 years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, although there are effective methods of treating the condition.
That is why it is important to seek medical evaluation for symptoms that include unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods and go from severe depression to euphoria and back.
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