Michael Douglas Says Catherine Zeta-Jones Was 'Outed' in Bipolar Fight

By Rob Shuter Posted Apr 26th 2011 09:05AM

A raspy-voiced Michael Douglas is speaking out about Catherine Zeta-Jones' battle with bipolar II disorder, telling Oprah Winfrey in an interview airing Tuesday that his actress wife's private struggle with depression was cruelly "outed" by the media.

"I must say, Catherine's being quite open about it because she was outed, you know," he said. "She went to go get some help and some other patient probably in there said, 'Hey, you won't believe who's in here now.' And, so, once that happens, I think she felt [it] best to kind of get out the story."

He is referring to the fact that the National Enquirer first reported that Zeta-Jones was in a mental health facility, which then prompted a statement from the actress hours later.

Michael told the talk show queen why she was reluctant at first to talk about her problems.

"My oldest son is in federal prison, my ex-wife is suing me, and I got cancer. It's kind of hard for the wife to say, 'I'm depressed,'" Michael tells Oprah.

Catherine spent a total of five days in a mental health clinic to get help, leading Michael to tell PEOPLE magazine, "It takes a lot of courage to seek help and I am proud of Catherine for doing something positive about her situation. It's onwards and upwards for us."

She added: "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's worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help."

The actress is already back at work and seemed upbeat in Louisiana, where she is filming with Gerard Butler, Uma Thurman and Jessica Biel.

"Catherine is one of a kind," a friend of the Oscar winner tells me. "Of course the couple hoped that this would remain private, but when it became clear the tabloids were going to expose her private business, the two of them, both Catherine and Michael, couldn't have acted in a more classy manner."

The 'Oprah' interview wasn't all about Catherine, however. Michael also provided a positive update on his health struggles, telling O that so far his cancer has not returned.

"This particular type of cancer has a good record of not coming back," he said. "But it can. So for the first year I've got to go every month and get checked in every three months."

Has he gotten checked out and cleared for this month? "I have. I'm cool."

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Tags: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas

Comments

(195)

Tuesday 26 April

By Retired Army Brat

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What is courageous about taking 5 days at an expensive place to whine about your troubles? USING bipolar - a very real and frightening illness that is beyond your control. You get treated like you are worse than the Manson girls, if you can relate to that.
And on top of everything Catherine Zeta-Jones wasn't a young actress who was swept off her feet by a young Michael Douglas. She knew exactly what she was gaining by having an heir with the famous cleft in his chin.

By mike

I like reading posts that are positive and upbeat. Very nice this is hope you us yet.

By Writ

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All the public is entitled to is the movies and entertainment these entertainers provide. Their personal life is their own. Part of entertainment is promoting the movies, books and products they make. It is up to the public to support this or not, but these folks are entertainers. That is their job. Their celebrity is created by media and their fans. The bottom line is they are people, no more no less. Frankly, I think fame is a prison. So called "Stars" may have initially thought how wonderful it is to have folks know their names, at first. But then day after day with no privacy turns into a nightmare. Think about it. Would you want it? Then you get the moron public that feel they own a celebrity just because the celebrity appeared on a movie screen and/or their TV set. The problem is we pay these celebrities far too much money for what they do. Their jobs are not nearly as important as teachers, police, doctors, nurses and inventors who do not get anywhere near what celebrities earn but are more important and give greater service. So whose priorities are really messed up?

did I really post that, Very nice there is hope for us all yet.

By KittyM

Bravo, Writ!

By BellaTerra66

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There are many people who will now seek help because Catherine chose to discuss her problem (regardless of why she chose to discuss her problem). And that is all that is important -- along with the fact that Catherine is better now. Mental illness is NOTHING to be ashamed of!

By notjeff

Very well stated. I wish more people believed that.

By BMac

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I always thought she was crazy.

By margie rosen

give michael wife credit she has had much to deal with my own mom had depression years ago. no what it is like for people can judge let them be in her feet. pray for her and michael too .

By Amy

@ Rhettcbowling, Thanks for pointing that out, Did I spell that right?

By Art

I was backstage at Letterman because my niece's husband was part of the musical act that night. I was on the elevator and a very nicely dressed woman - whom I honestly didn't recognize entered - I said "hello" and received a very gracious "hello" in return. Catherine Zeta Jones. She seemed decent and down to earth.

By Julie

I hate the tabloids. It is nobody's business what a person is going through in their private life, especially if it is a mental or physical disorder.

By Susan

Poor woman. So what if she has depression. What person doesn't at one point in their lives. At least she's getting the help needed and not going out and running a muck like Charlie Sheen or Nicholas Cage. Good for you Catherine!

By bestbunny10

The Douglas family has had a terrible year or two. Michaels son was jailed for heroin trafficking, he himself is battling thoat cancer, and his wife has acknowledged bi-polar disorder. All 3 are enough to kill anyone. I feel most sorry for Michael because living with someone with bi-polar disorder is a nightmare unto itself....and doing it while fighting a terrible disease takes one hell of a special person. I have a child with bi-polar disorder and recently had a heart attack.. at times it has almost driven me to madness. I send prayers and strength to them.

By r

Do you feel sorry for all criminals who get caught or just relatives of celebrities?
Curious.

By aza353

the life ( DEATH ) of a big deal celebrity ...

By JANNA

Rags like the National Inquirer are so disgusting. No individual should have to go on national television to discuss her depression, especially with all that was going on her life that had already been made public. Everything we've ever seen and heard about Catherine is positive. She's beautiful, talented and purportedly a very kind and loving person as well, so why should she have to tell the world she's also depressed? Journalism was an honorable occupation at one time, but now with rags like the National Inquirer and paparazzi, they're beneath contempt.

By superbombastik

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NOBODY "OUTED" CATHERINE...we all knew she had to be crazy to be married to the Crypt Keeper. Geezus, I'm glad he beat the "Big C" but every time I see them together I wonder just how gross they must look together naked. Ugh.

By Nick Mayor

Get some help.

Friday 06 May

By Phoebe Snow

Be nice to others especially people you are married to = exes too. When men discover new loves, especially with younger women they treat their ex wives like dirt. Be careful because life knows no good looks, nor money when it hits.

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