Ruby Wax tells the Telegraph about her new show Losing It, about her experience of bipolar disorder. Performances of the show started at the Priory, where Wax has spent some time, and now it moves on to a national theatrical tour.
It sounds interesting, but also of note are her comments about fellow celebrity bipolar sufferer Stephen Fry and particularly his 2005 documentary about his illness:
I thought it was irresponsible,” she says, “because if you are bipolar you really should be on drugs. He said he doesn’t take his medication. I haven’t seen him since then. It’s not my business, but I just don’t think it’s a great message.”
If Stephen Fry believes he can manage his condition without medication and there is no evidence to the contrary, then why is that irresponsible?
I think Ruby’s comment about Stephen Fry is irresponsible. She’s perpetuating that myth that medication is the only way to tackle mental health problems. It may be that medication was the right thing for her but its not for everyone and it should be a choice. If anything Stephen Fry should be commended for showing the world that people with mental health problems can function fine without medication. I don’t recall reading anything in the news about Stephen being arrested or detained, so its obviously working well for him.
People need to be mindful that not everyone with mental health problems are the same, its not a one size fits all approach to treatment.
Well said, J
I agree 100% with this comment but a word of warning here – not taking medication can be seen as not complying with treatment. I am currently in such a situation and have had my entitilement to drive revoked by the DVLA after holding a full driving licence for 35 years without incident!!
I hope Ruby and Stephen can resolve their differences. I must admit I was a little uncomfortable about Stephen saying he wasn’t going to take medication. To me it’s no different to taking an aspirin for a headache though. All manner of conditions require drugs to help their remedy.
The fear with mental illness is that it will alter who you are as a person. Which is simply not the case. However, I also know that it’s important that each patient speaks out for what they need by way of help. Talking therapies have come a long way now and for some it may well be enough.
Personally I found Stephen’s programme inspiring. So much so that I have finally plucked up the courage to start a blogsite on the theme of my own experiences but also as an informative tool for the ignorant.
All comments welcome and I’m working on introducing a discussion point section.
http://mindwalking-ajournalofdiscovery.blogspot.com/