Time to Change applaud the actress Catherine Zeta-Jones for her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and our thoughts are with her and her family.   Time to Change Director Sue Baker said: “By being so frank about her diagnosis and treatment for bipolar Catherine will have helped to lift some of the burden of stigma which causes so much damage to so many lives. 

“Let’s hope this is a further sign that the silence that surrounds mental illness is beginning to be broken, following on from the recent news of England cricketer Michael Yardy’s experiences of depression and his open and honest disclosure.

“Our latest campaign 'It's time to talk, it's Time to Change' aims to encourage people to be more open about mental health issues – that, after all, affect one in four of us.   Time to Change hopes to encourage more high profile figures from all walks of life with mental health problems to speak out about their experiences of mental health problems because it is such an effective way to overcome the stigma of this common health issue.”

ENDS

Interviews can be arranged with Time to Change Director Sue Baker and people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  To organise an interview or for more information about the Time to Change campaign please contact Jenny Tudor, PR Officer, on 07789 721 966, or Olivia Deskoski, Campaign PR Manager, on 07828 437 015.

Read our media volunteer Andrea Woodside's blog about Catherine Zeta-Jones' disclosure