Brava, Jessica Marais. The more high-profile people who speak up about this, the better.
The 29-year-old Packed To The Rafters / Love Child actress has just told The Australian Women’s Weekly that she’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She spoke about the death of her father when she was 12, and how that affected her forever.
“I was diagnosed at one point with bipolar,” Jessica told AWW. “I have developed ways to talk myself down from any ledges I find myself on. And I am very lucky that I have a very patient partner who supports me.”
That partner is actor James Stewart, who she met on the set of Rafters. The couple has a little girl called Scout, who is 2 years old and gives Jessica a reason to speak candidly about surviving mental illness.
“I just think it’s important to talk about depression,” she said. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. And the more we talk about it as a community, the more we remove the stigma.”
True that, Jessica.
Every time someone famous speaks openly about living with bipolar disorder or depression, it throws a spotlight on those common but devastating conditions in a uniquely powerful way. Thank you so much for starting this conversation, Jessica Marais.
The full interview is in The Australian Women’s Weekly, out tomorrow.
If you, or someone you know, suffers from depression, contact Lifeline – 13 11 14 or visit the Black Dog Institute website for more information.
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Top Comments
I always have so much respect for celebrities that come out and talk openly about something like this. It's really brave!
A beautiful woman who with her admission may inspire others with mental illness to be diagnosed correctly. Its not easy but you can find a way through and with the support of family and friends you can become much stronger.