Two Day Magazine

Michael Douglas Speaks About Wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Her Secret Struggle with Bipolar Disorder

Recently, Michael Douglas spoke to Oprah Winfrey in an interview that is set to air today about his wife’s private battle with depression and how she was cruelly “outed” by the media.

“I must say, Catherine’s been quite open about it because she was outed, you know,” he said in a raspy voice. “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.”

The National Enquirer was the first to report that Zeta-Jones was in a mental health facility, which forced the actress to make a statement about her condition to quiet the rumor mill.

She, of course, was reluctant to discuss her condition as Michael explains to Oprah. “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’.

This is totally understandable, as she was probably everyone’s rock during all the trials and tribulations as of late. Catherine most likely felt the need to be strong for everyone, take on everyone else’s causes, and forgot to take care of herself, as many mothers often do.

Catherine recently spent five days in a mental health clinic to get a grasp on herself and take back control in her life. Michael told 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.”

Catherine stated to PEOPLE, “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’s no need to suffer silently and there is no shame is seeking help.”

What a strong woman. It always impresses me when someone who is faced with adversity takes the bull by the horns and changes the course. She is dealing with it, facing it, and allowing herself to seek help from others. Truly courageous.

And, as for Douglas and his battle with thyroid cancer? “This particular type of cancer has a good record of not coming back. 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 this month? “I have. I’m cool.”

Cool. That should be their middle name!