Catherine Zeta-Jones is standing strong and accepting the recent media attention surrounding her diagnosis of bipolar II disorder.
It was reported last week that Zeta-Jones checked into Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Conn., for treatment. Since then, the paparazzi have been jumping on every morsel they could get. In an interview with PEOPLE, Zeta-Jones says that as long as she could help people, she’s okay with anything else that comes in tow.
“This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them…If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.”
According to the 41-year-old actress, she decided to get help after “suffering silently” by husband Michael Douglas’ side as he battled throat cancer. While Douglas was able to beat the disease and was declared cancer free, Zeta-Jones felt like she only slipped deeper into the throws of her own disorder.
Brought on by depressive or manic bouts, a person with bipolar II disorder can still be a high-functioning individual but suffers dramatic mood changes caused by stress, anxiety or insomnia.