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9 Black Celebrities You May Not Know Suffer From Mental Illness

Posted byBy ABS Contributor | Published on: | Updated on July 17, 2014 CommentsComments (13)

jenifer lewis

Jenifer Lewis

In a May 2005 interview, “Think Like A Man” actress Jenifer Lewis discussed her plight with bipolar disorder. Ever since, she has been willing to talk about the mental illness.

Since she was diagnosed in 1990, Lewis said she tried various therapies and medications. But she said she found that the key to coping with the disorder is to love yourself.

MTV Presents Sucker Free Week With DMX

DMX

In 2012, DMX opened up to television talk show host “Dr. Phil” in an interview about the rapper’s struggle with mental illness.

During the interview, DMX revealed that he suffers from bipolar disorder. “I used to be really clear on who was what and what characteristics each personality had. But I don’t know at this point. I’m not even sure there is a difference,” he continued. “I’m Earl when I’m with my children. I miss my children, I miss my children, I miss my children.”

Jesse Jackson Jr

Jesse Jackson Jr.

In 2012, Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. took an abrupt leave of absence from his office.

Later that year in August, a spokesperson for Jackson released a statement that the congressman was undergoing treatment for bipolar II with severe bouts of depression.

According to sources, Jackson was in a debilitating state, but made promising strides after receiving treatment from Mayo Clinic.

 

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