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Category: Famous Entrepreneurs With Disabilities

MPs With Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health

MPs With Mental Health Disorders

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Challenges Among MPs

The conversation surrounding mental health has gained significant momentum worldwide, gradually breaking down the barriers of stigma and encouraging individuals to speak openly about their struggles. This shift has not been limited to society at large; it has also permeated the corridors of power, where even elected officials are sharing their experiences with mental health disorders.

Kevan Jones: Challenging the Notion of Weakness

Labour MP Kevan Jones made headlines when he delivered a heartfelt speech in the House of Commons, revealing his personal battle with deep depression. In a powerful moment, Jones broke down emotional barriers and shattered the stereotype that mental illness should be seen as a weakness in politics.

Jones’s story resonates with many who have faced the burden of mental health issues. His courage in sharing his journey not only highlights the prevalence of mental health challenges but also advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach within the political arena.

Dr. Sarah Wollaston: A Tory MP and Former GP’s Struggle

Dr. Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, and Conservative MP, shared her own harrowing experience with mental health issues. In a poignant revelation, she disclosed that she had felt suicidal after the birth of her child. Dr. Wollaston’s story serves as a stark reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their background or profession.

Her courageous admission brings attention to the often-overlooked issue of postpartum depression, showing that even those with medical expertise can grapple with the complexities of mental health. By speaking out, Dr. Wollaston has paved the way for a more open dialogue surrounding mental health issues faced by mothers and parents everywhere.

Charles Walker: A 31-Year Battle with OCD

Tory backbencher Charles Walker revealed his personal battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which has persisted for an astonishing 31 years. His condition manifests as a compulsive need to do everything four times. Walker’s candor about his ongoing struggle serves as a testament to the persistence required when managing a mental health disorder.

Walker’s story highlights the importance of long-term mental health care and support. By sharing his experience, he helps to destigmatize OCD and other persistent conditions, making it easier for individuals to seek the assistance they need.

Winston Churchill: Depression

Winston Churchill, the renowned British statesman and Prime Minister during World War II did suffer from bouts of depression throughout his life. Churchill’s struggle with depression is well-documented, and he often referred to it as the “Black Dog” that haunted him.

His depressive episodes were characterized by periods of profound sadness, pessimism, and a sense of hopelessness. Churchill’s depression was not a constant state but rather came and went over the years. It is believed that his bouts of depression were linked to personal and political setbacks, as well as the immense stress and pressure he faced during his long and tumultuous career.

Despite his struggles with depression, Winston Churchill is celebrated for his leadership during World War II and his unwavering determination in the face of adversity. His ability to overcome personal challenges and lead his country through one of its most challenging times is a testament to his resilience and strength of character. Churchill’s openness about his own mental health challenges has also contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and has inspired others to seek help and support when facing similar issues.

Breaking the Stigma

The stories of MPs like Kevan Jones, Dr. Sarah Wollaston, and Charles Walker have an enduring impact on society. They demonstrate that mental health disorders do not discriminate, affecting individuals from various backgrounds, professions, and political affiliations. Moreover, these MPs challenge the perception that mental illness equates to weakness, emphasizing that courage can be found in sharing one’s vulnerabilities.

Their experiences also underscore the necessity of creating a supportive environment within the political sphere and society as a whole. Acknowledging the prevalence of mental health challenges and fostering empathy are crucial steps toward a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Conclusion

The bravery shown by MPs like Kevan Jones, Dr. Sarah Wollaston, and Charles Walker in sharing their mental health journeys is an essential part of the ongoing effort to destigmatize mental illness. These individuals remind us that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their stature or profession. By breaking the silence and challenging stereotypes, they contribute to a society that is more understanding, empathetic, and compassionate toward those facing mental health challenges. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to seek help, share their experiences, and work toward a world where mental health is treated with the same gravity as physical health.

This article serves as a lesson for DWP & Personal Independence Payments (PIP) that people with mental health disorders can be intellectual and also have disabilities.

https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/can-someone-have-ocd-and-still-be-intellectual/

Further Reading:

Series of MPs admit to suffering mental illness for the first time including OCD and postnatal depression | Daily Mail Online

Contact | Rt Hon Kevan Jones MP

Dr. Sarah Wollaston, MP | Policy Connect

Sarah Wollaston, a general practitioner and Conservative MP for Totnes, Devon | The BMJ

MP details – Dr Sarah Wollaston (torbay.gov.uk)

www.drsarah.org.uk

Contact information for Sir Charles Walker – MPs and Lords – UK Parliament

‘Discriminatory’ ban on MPs with mental health issues to be axed – BBC News

https://disabledentrepreneur.uk/pip-assessments-pushing-people-to-the-brink-of-suicide-the-editors-experience/

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Content Writing On All Health Topics.

#mentalhealth #ocd #depression #anxiety #DrSarahWollaston #SarahWollastonMP #WinstonChurchill #ChrisWalkerMP #KevanJonesMP

Famous People With Lyme Disease.

Famous People With Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi is an infection caught from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease can cause a circular red rash around a tick bite and flu-like symptoms. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics from a GP. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery. You can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease by covering your skin when you’re outdoors, sticking to footpaths, and using insect repellent.

It is a black-legged tick that will attach to its host and suck the blood slowly for several days. If the host animal has certain bloodborne infections, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, the tick may ingest the pathogen and become infected. If the tick later feeds on a human, that human can become infected.

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness that can damage a persons’ quality of life but also alienate them from their communities. Diagnosis is tricky, and the cost of missed or misdiagnosis compounds the detrimental effects of the disease itself.

If you have or suspect you have a tick-borne illness, you may or can offer comfort to someone going through the same struggle by learning the surprising stories of eighteen famous people who have been diagnosed with tick-borne diseases.

1. Avril Lavigne

This Canadian pop star’s Lyme Disease diagnosis caused her to retreat from the public eye for several years. Avril has become an advocate for the disease where she was quoted as saying she had been bedridden from the illness. Her songs from her album, Head Above Water, were inspired by her struggles with the illness.

Avril now has her own charity, The Avril Lavigne Foundation, and works with the Global Lyme Alliance and the LymeLight Foundation to raise awareness about Lyme.

2. Shania Twain

Canadian singer struck by tick-borne illness, Shania Twain has suffered lasting effects from her struggles with Lyme. One of her symptoms, dysphonia, has permanently damaged her singing voice. Singing, she says, now requires more intense warm-ups and effort than ever before.

3. Alec Baldwin

Hollywood A-List Actor says a tick bit him around the year 2000. For five years after that, he suffered devastating symptoms every summer, becoming bedridden and suffering high fevers and sweats.

During a 2011 interview with The New York Times, the “Saturday Night Live” actor mentioned that he had chronic Lyme disease.

Alec Baldwin didn’t mention his diagnosis again until 2017 when he spoke onstage at an event benefiting the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. It was then where Alec opened up about the loneliness and fear that can come with being diagnosed with a tick-borne illness. He was not married at the time of his first episode of the illness and symptoms got so bad, he felt very alone and was sure he would die from the illness.

4. Yolanda Hadid (and Her Kids)

Former model Yolanda Hadid starred on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, not many people knew she was suffering from debilitating Lyme symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and pain.

Since the airing of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Yolanda spoke openly about the disease to help spread awareness. She’s is now an advocate for Lyme patients, calling the tick-borne disease an “invisible disability” that can harm patients’ mental health and alienate them from friends and loved ones. She’s talked about how she not only battled several doctors to finally get an accurate diagnosis, but also struggled to be understood by friends, co-stars, and even her ex-husband (David Foster).

Yolanda in December 2012, reported that she was having a port implanted in her arm to help treat what she has stated is chronic Lyme disease. In April 2013, she had the port removed. In January 2015, she revealed that, as a consequence of the illness that Hadid believed she has, she had “lost the ability to read, write, or even watch TV”.

If that weren’t enough, Yolanda’s children Anwar Hadid and Bella Hadid also have Lyme. Yolanda has been vocal about how her other daughter Gigi, is fortunate not to have the disease.

5. Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller another Hollywood A-Lister Actor provides a hopeful example of how early detection and antibiotic treatment can help manage symptoms. After a knee injury that coincided with excessive, inexplicable inflammation, he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease he believes he contracted in Nantucket.

Doctors were able to diagnose and treat Ben’s Lyme Disease, and he’s since reported being “symptom-free.” However, he acknowledges that Lyme “never leaves your body,” echoing concerns about chronic Lyme that the medical community is now recognizing exists.

6. Daryl Hall

Daryl Hall singer, of the pop duo Hall & Oates, acknowledges his life in the countryside for his and his family members’ tick-borne illnesses.

In 2005, the duo Hall and Oates canceled a tour, revealing that Daryl Hall had been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

In 2011, he opened up about his experiences, explaining how he contracted the disease and his journey to health.

Though he’s still performing music, symptoms from the tick-borne disease have affected his career and quality of life, causing him to cancel tours.

After years of suffering a host of disparate and confusing symptoms – including fevers and wild fluctuations in body temperature, new food allergies, tremors, aches, and stiffness – he was eventually diagnosed with “six or seven” different tick-borne illnesses. Now he has “roving symptoms” that come and go, including heart arrhythmia – a common problem for chronic Lyme sufferers.

Hall says the confusion and controversy around Lyme disease can lead infected individuals to suffer “on their own.”

7. Amy Tan

Celebrated author Amy Tan has been very vocal about her battle with undiagnosed Lyme Disease. After she “soldiered through” increasingly erratic and troubling symptoms like pain, numbness, and hearing sensitivity during a major book tour, she suffered through debilitating anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations, plus several drug regimens that left her exhausted.

Like many Lyme sufferers, Tan’s quest for diagnosis was debilitating as her battle with Lyme Disease itself. At one point, doctors found and removed a small brain tumor, but the symptoms persisted. She even had an ELISA – a common test for Lyme – come back negative.

Still struggling with symptoms that made her unable to even write, she finally got positive results on a Western Blot from IGeneX and was diagnosed with Lyme.

Tan now serves on the Honorary Board of Directors for the Lyme Disease Association.

8. Rebecca Wells

Rebecca Wells is an American author, actor, and playwright known for the Ya-Ya Sisterhood series. Like her friend and fellow author Amy Tan, Rebecca Wells’ illness struck just as she was ascending as a successful fiction writer.

Similar to Tan, she suffered through symptoms like dizzy spells, noise sensitivity, respiratory infections, numbness, and even multiple-chemical sensitivities for over a decade before being diagnosed. At one point she even had to be hooked up to an oxygen tank for two hours per day.

9. George W. Bush

The Washington Post reported that back in 2006, former President George W. Bush was quietly diagnosed with and treated for Lyme Disease. Another example of how early detection can lead to better chances of recovery, Bush is thought to have fully recovered.

10. Kelly Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter chronicled the effects of Lyme on her life in her 2016 memoir, detailing how she suffered through recurring sore throats, stomach pain, and even seizures for ten years before getting a clear diagnosis. This had given the disease time to advance to stage III neurological Lyme. Throughout her undiagnosed illness, Osbourne’s intense drug regimen caused a cycle of depression, anxiety, and treatment for those symptoms.

After her father’s Birthday Party, Kelly noticed and burned a tick off her body after spending time near reindeer. But her story proves that removing a tick is only the first step in preventing disease.

Lyme patients can take inspiration from Osbourne’s resilience and self-advocacy in the face of this poorly understood illness.

11. Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, Canadian Pop Star made headlines in January 2020 when he revealed that he had been struggling with Lyme disease. The story resonated with many in the Lyme community because Bieber was sick for months before getting a proper diagnosis. Complications from Lyme as well as a case of mono exacerbated Bieber’s exhaustion and damaged his mental health, serving as a further reminder of the consequences of a missed diagnosis.

In January, the singer wrote on Instagram that it has been a “rough couple of years” battling the disease. 

Justin Bieber explained that, for a long time, people speculated that he was “on meth,”  but failed to realize that he’d actually recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He said that he’d also been struggling with “a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.

12. Amy Schumer

In September, Amy Schumer shared on Instagram that she has Lyme disease and “maybe had it for years.”

Seeing as this disease is the “great imitator” with a range of symptoms,  it’s possible she could’ve experienced Lyme symptoms for quite some time without realizing it. 

In an Instagram post, the comedian said she’s currently taking doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, to treat the condition and she also asked others for advice. 

13. Ally Hilfiger

Ally Hilfiger battled the disease for decades and chronicled her journey in a memoir.

The former “Rich Girls” star went misdiagnosed for a long time after being bit by a tick at 7 years old in 1992.

In her book “Bite Me: How Lyme Disease Stole My Childhood, Made Me Crazy, and Almost Killed Me,” Hilfiger chronicles her battle with the invisible illness and the all-too-visible symptoms that followed.

In 2016, she told Health magazine, “I remember getting bit by a tick and my parents sent it off to the labs. And we got inconclusive tests back.”

14. Debbie Gibson

Deborah Ann Gibson is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress. Gibson released her debut album Out of the Blue in 1987, which spawned several international hits, later being certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2014, Debbie Gibson revealed she’d been privately battling the illness.

Debbie Gibson took to her blog in April 2014 to give an update on her health, revealing that she’d begun experiencing symptoms in early 2013.

She said she first felt anxiety and sensitivity to certain foods.

Then, she said she began feeling unique pain and muscle fatigue she’d never had before. She added, “I got tested for everything under the sun, though it did not occur to me, or my West Coast doctors, to test for Lyme.

15. Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the HBO series The Sopranos.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler battled Lyme disease before learning she also suffered from multiple sclerosis.

At the age of 19 years old and starring on HBO’s hit “The Sopranos,” she learned she had Lyme disease.

Shortly after, in 2016, she told People magazine, “I was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) when I was 20 years old. It was a shock, it was surprising.”

“I had been diagnosed with Lyme disease the year before, so to get the diagnosis was confusing, and also strange because I didn’t feel sick. I didn’t feel that anything was wrong.”

She’d taken antibiotics, a standard course of treatment for early-stage Lyme, “and things had started to go away,” she shared.

Sigler now advocates on behalf of those with chronic illnesses.

16. Thalía Mottola

Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda Mottola, known as Thalía, is a Mexican singer and actress. Born in Mexico City, she is widely considered one of the most successful and influential Mexican artists

Thalía Mottola began feeling ill during her first pregnancy in 2007 and became unable to care for her newborn daughter.

In her 2011 memoir “Growing Stronger,” she explained that doctors tried to convince her she was suffering from postpartum depression, writing, “I continued to feel like I had been run over by a truck that had dragged me for a thousand miles, along with a steamroller that had crushed every last bone in my body. I literally thought I was dying.”

When she found the energy to research online, she started seeing Lyme specialists, eventually undergoing two years of “heavy treatments.” 

17. Kris Kristofferson

Kristoffer Kristofferson is a retired Hollywood American actor, musician, and songwriter.

Kris Kristofferson experienced several misdiagnoses before being treated for Lyme.

His wife revealed in 2016 in a Rolling Stone interview that the music legend had been diagnosed with Lyme disease just shy of his 80th birthday.

The magazine then wrote that Kris’s wife believed Kris had been bitten by a tick while filming the 2006 movie “Disappearances” in Vermont.

“He was taking all these medications for things he doesn’t have, and they all have side effects,” she shared, talking about medications he was taking for depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

After three weeks of Lyme disease treatment, Lisa noted that “All of a sudden he was back to his normal self,” adding that he is not cured and still struggles some days yet “some days he’s perfectly normal and it’s easy to forget that he is even battling anything.”

18. Kathleen Hanna

Kathleen Hanna is an American singer, musician, artist, feminist activist, pioneer of the feminist punk riot grrrl movement, and punk zine writer.

Kathleen Hanna battled Lyme disease for over a decade before being properly diagnosed.

Kathleen Hanna took time off from her band, Le Tigre, in 2005, citing personal health issues. However, at that time she was unaware she was struggling with Lyme Disease. She was only diagnosed in late 2010.

She experienced debilitating symptoms over the course of several years that made her unable to move or speak at times and she began to heal after two years of “intensive therapy,” according to The New York Times.

After multiple misdiagnoses — from multiple sclerosis to lupus and panic attacks — she saw a 2008 documentary called “Under Our Skin” about the unspoken Lyme epidemic and realized that a tick bite she got in 2005 could still be causing her health problems, even though she’d been treated with a standard course of antibiotics.

In 2013, Hanna returned to the public eye and in 2016 she formed a new band, Julie Ruin.

The Importance of Testing

While the bewildering symptoms of tick-borne illness can be very isolating, you don’t have to suffer alone. If you have Lyme symptoms – especially if there’s a chance you’ve been bitten by a tick – it’s important to get accurate testing and medical advice.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s usually easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

A circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people.

The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks.

The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the center and might gradually spread. It’s not usually hot or itchy.

The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise.

A round, red area, surrounded by a red, ring-shape rash, from Lyme disease. Shown on white skin.

Further Reading and Credits: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease

https://www.bds.org.uk/information-advice/out-about/lyme-disease-ticks/

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/07/24/631814695/ticks-and-lyme-disease-3-factors-determine-risk-of-infection?t=1636467911717

Useful Links:

https://lyme.org/

https://www.lymedisease.org/

LymeDiseaseAction.org.uk

LymeDiseaseAssociation.org

LymeDiseaseUk.com

ALDF.com

#lymedisease #chroniclymedisease #famouspeoplewithlymedisease #celebritieswithlymedisease

Famous People With OCD.

Famous People With OCD

What is OCD.

OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health illness whereby the sufferer may have recurring intrusive thoughts and repetitive ritual behaviors that they cannot control.

The main symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder are intrusive thoughts and unnatural repetitive behaviors, which the sufferer finds debilitating. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is usually treated with CBT or Hypnotherapy. Prescribed Medication also may help to relieve some of the symptoms especially if the symptoms are severe.

LIST OF FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH OCD

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio suffers from OCD and says that he allowed his condition to worsen in order to play Howard Hughes in “Aviator.”

His childhood memoriess were to step on cracks in the pavement and if he missed any he would have start all over again,

even as far as a few blocks.

Jessica Alba

“Sin City” star Jessica Alba talked about her OCD in an interview with CosmoGirl stating,

“It was like a panic come over me and I had to do something, and once I did it, I was OK. …

It was really me needing to control something.”

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake suffers from OCD that makes him need everything to be organized perfectly. 

He also only allows certain foods in his refrigerator.

Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry suffers from OCD and says that she brushes her teeth 4-6 times a day.

Howie Mandel

Howie Mandel has been very open about his OCD.  He calls handrails his enemy.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz’s OCD makes her have a fear of germs.

David Beckham

Soccer great David Beckham has admitted to struggling with OCD saying that he has to reorganize hotel rooms in order to feel comfortable.

Charlize Theron

“Young Adult” star Charlize Theron says that her OCD keeps her up at nights worrying about messy cabinets and closets.

Albert Einstein

Historians believe that Albert Einstein suffered from OCD, as do many individuals with very high levels of intelligence.

Penélope Cruz

“Vanilla Sky” actress Penelope Cruz is said to suffer from OCD.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has OCD and needs things to be in order.  He told Dr. Oz that his OCD even propelled him to fix a strangers shirt collar at a restaurant.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

“Client List” star Jennifer Love Hewitt thinks the she inherited her OCD from her mother.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin self diagnosed his OCD.  Baldwin spoke of the frustrating nature of his condition stating,

“The thing is, you always feel the need to do it, mostly when there’s something at stake. Like,

I will literally be leaving my apartment in New York and I’ve got to go to the airport.

The worst possible time is when the bell rings loudest. A voice will say to me, ‘Move the snowglobe to the right three inches.”

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson had Body Dismorphic Disorder which is similar to OCD.

Rose McGowan

“Planet Terror” star Rose McGowan suffers from OCD related to agoraphobia.

Harrison Ford

“Star Wars” star Harrison Ford says that his OCD is related to his fear of spiders and reptiles.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump says that his OCD prevents him from shaking hands with people.

(Which is Fake News in my opinion as I have seen him shake hands).

Martin Scorsese

Director Martin Scorsese suffers from OCD and he explored the depths of the condition in his film “The Aviator.”

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr has struggled with OCD and she talked about her experience with Larry King.

Howard Stern

Howard Stern’s OCD developed as a defense mechanism when he was first starting out. 

Stern stated, “When I was in college and nervous about entering the world of broadcasting and earning a living, the pressure was enormous. …

As a defense mechanism, my brain had set up an elaborate maze of rituals that kept me from confronting my fear.”

Woody Allen

Film maker Woody Allen has OCD and the main subject that he obsesses about is death.

Nikola Tesla

Historians believe that Nikola Tesla suffered from OCD in his later years.

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple suffers from OCD and she calls it a problem that can destroy your life.

Dan Aykroyd

“Blues Brothers” star Dan Aykroyd suffers from Tourettes, Aspergers and OCD.

Charles Darwin

Researches believe that Charles Darwin most likely suffered from OCD.

Stanley Kubrick

“A Clockwork Orange” director Stanley Kubrick is thought to have had OCD because of the way that he would shoot an excessive amount of takes when filming his movies.

Kathie Lee Gifford

Talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford is thought to have OCD.

Billy Bob Thornton

“Sling Blade” star Billy Bob Thornton calls suffering from OCD exhausting.

Marc Summers

TV show host Marc Summers suffers with OCD.  Who knows how Summers managed to deal with all of the slimy messes on his Nickelodeon show “Double Dare.”

Cole Porter

People speculate that composer Cole Porter most likely suffered from OCD.

Michelangelo

Historians believe that Michelangelo suffered from OCD.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Researchers believe that Ludwig van Beethoven displayed many symptoms of OCD.

Howard Hughes

Entrepreneur and film maker Howard Hughes suffered for OCD and used to obsess over the size of peas. 

Later in his life, Hughes became a recluse and continuously watched movies.

Samuel Johnson

Historians believe that Samuel Johnson likely suffered from OCD.

Stonewall Jackson

Researchers find that Stonewall Jackson demonstrated many of the symptoms of OCD.

Jeremy Kyle

Talk show host Jeremy Kyle suffers from OCD.

Warren Zevon

“Werewolves of London” songwriter Warren Zevon suffered from OCD. 

He developed a friendship with fellow OCD sufferer Billy Bob Thorton later in his life.

Charles Dickens

Historians believe that “A Christmas Carol” author Charles Dickens likely suffered from OCD.

Marcel Proust

Historians believe that Marcel Proust suffered from OCD.

Fred Durst

Limp Biscuit front man Fred Durst says that suffering from OCD makes touring really tough.

Gerald Kaufman

Gerald Kaufman has self-diagnosed his OCD.

Joey Ramone

Joey Ramone had a severe case of OCD and low self-esteem.

John Melendez

John Melendez, better known as “Stuttering John,” suffers from OCD, just like his good friend and boss Howard Stern.

Natalie Appleton

Pop singer Natalie Appleton suffers from a mild case of OCD.

Jane Horrocks

British actress/musician Jane Horrocks has been diagnosed with OCD.

Steven Gerrard

Soccer star Steven Gerrard’s OCD manifests itself as constant hand washing.

Emily Lloyd

British actress Emily Lloyd has gotten treatment for OCD and she blames the disorder for stalling her career.

Paul Gascoigne

Soccer star Paul Gascoigne suffers from OCD as well as other mental illnesses.

Tim Howard

Soccer player Tim Howard had a tough time in school coping with his OCD.

Ian Puleston-Davies

Actor Ian Puleston-Davies has OCD and a fear of germs.

Jim Eisenreich

Baseball player Jim Eisenreich was diagnosed with Tourettes and OCD.

Volkert van der Graaf

Murderer Volkert van der Graaf has been diagnosed with OCD and Aspergers.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/famous-people-who-have-OCD

#ocd #obsessivecomplsivedisorder #triggers #intrusivethoughts

Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects your mental state of mind and your moods. These mood swings can make the person feel very low or very high. Bipolar was originally referred to as a manic depression.

Symptoms of  bipolar disorder:

Depression – feeling very low and lethargic

Mania – feeling very high and overactive

Unlike temporary random mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer).

However bipolar disorder carries excess baggage called depression. So depending on if you are feeling very low will determine if you also have depression. Depression can be temporary and may last a few hours or a few days but when it rolls into weeks it can be defined as bipolar.

It can also have the polar opposite hence that is why it called bipolar you can be feeling very low or very high.

Feeling very high can include:

1). Exceptional energy

2). Restlessness

3). Trouble concentrating

4). Feelings of euphoria (extreme happiness)

5). Risky Behaviours

6). Poor Sleep

Patients may first be diagnosed with clinical depression before they have a manic episode (sometimes years later), after which they may be then as having diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

When the feeling of depression is too much to bear you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.

No one should suffer alone and if you think your life is pointless that is just your opinion and no one else’s, you can in fact pull yourself out of this state by talking to someone or seeking advice.

If you’re feeling very depressed, contact your GP do not carry the burden yourself talk to someone, a friend, neighbor, or family member. However, if you feel you have no one to talk to at all there are the Samaritans you can phone them on 116 123 for free who can listen and give you contact numbers to local mental health crisis teams without being judgmental or biased. They are just there to provide support so that you have someone you can talk to, you don’t even have to give your real name and you can hide your phone number. They are 100% on your side.

Catherine Zeta Jones Hollywood’s A-List Actress came out with being ‘Bipolar’.

There are four  types of bipolar disorder:

1). Bipolar 1 disorder

2). Bipolar 2 disorder

3). Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia)

4). Unspecified bipolar and related disorders

Catherine suffers from Bipolar 2 which is less debilitating .

Bipolar 1 and 2 disorders are the most common of all the other types of bipolar disorder.

Catherine mentions she never wanted to be a poster girl for the disorder and that it just happened to come out one day and now she labeled for having it.

There is nothing wrong with mental or physical disabilities and as she so rightly said “everyone suffers from one thing or another and you just get on with it” and adjust your life around your disability without it defining who you actually are.

People can manage both physical and mental disabilities and can adjust their lives in a way that is manageable to them.

Final Thoughts.

I have OCD and Cerebellar Atrophy and I do have depression but my therapy is to keep myself busy and not have time to think about all the things that have gone wrong in my life but all the things that will make me happy.

I will not let these illnesses define me.

I am proud to be an ambassador to motivate and inspire people that whatever you are going through and whatever disability you have regardless if it is physical or mental that it is not the end of the world.

Use your disability as a stepping stone or tool to prosper. People who have similar disorders will relate to you.

Recommended Reading:

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Famous People With Disabilities

Famous People with Disabilities Past & Present:

1). Nicholas James Vujicic – born without arms and legs – is an Australian-American Christian evangelist and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of his limbs.

2). Stephen Hawking – was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. He suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that wears away at nerve and muscle function over time.

3). Frida Kahlo – A Mexican famous painter contracted polio during her childhood and, according to some sources, also had spina bifida, which caused dysmetria in her right leg. Her spinal problems were also aggravated by an accident suffered in her adolescence, which left her with physical issues for her entire life and eventually bedridden where she painted in her bed.

4). John Nash – an American mathematician whose life was consumed by acute paranoid schizophrenia. His life was later adapted into a film “A Beautiful Mind” Diagnosed and treated for the illness, Nash through his determination fought against it and developed a successful academic career that earned him the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994.

5). Andrea Boccelli – Tenor, musician, writer, and music producer born in Italy, Andrea sold more than 75 million records. He was born with congenital glaucoma that left him partially blind, something that did not prevent him from taking piano lessons until the age of six. After sustaining head trauma at the age of twelve during a football game the injury left him completely blind. He found peace in his music and decided to focus entirely on his music career specifically on singing. He also studied Law.

6). Michael J. Fox – American actor made famous by his starring role in ‘Back to the Future was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1991 when he was only 29 years old and he was at his peak in his career. This disease is in its very advanced stage and Michael continues to pursue spirits of improvement.

7). Alex Zanardi – Four times world champion F1 racing driver suffered an accident in 2001 in which he had to have his both legs amputated. Three years later he was on the track again driving a BMW for which he himself had adapted some prostheses.

8). Aaron Fotheringham – World famous wheelchair skater underwent several failed hip operations that forced him to use a wheelchair permanently. Passionate about the sport he adapted his disability to pursue his career. In 2005, Aaron landed a great jump with a 180º turn, and in 2006 made the first somersault in wheelchair history. Since then, his achievements and challenges are an example for thousands of people.

9). Richard Branson – Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, investor, author, and former philanthropist. He founded the Virgin Group in the 1970s, which controls more than 400 companies in various fields. Born on July 18, 1950, in London, England, he has struggled with dyslexia and ADHD and as a child, dropping out of school at the age of fifteen to start a youth-culture magazine called Student. The publication sold $8,000 worth of advertising in its first edition which was launched in 1966.

10) Ralph Braun – Founder of the Braun Corporation which is the leading company that manufactures accessible vehicles and wheelchairs in the world as well electrical equipment such as shavers and hair driers. Ralph was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, but his condition didn’t stop him from making a difference in the world. Barrack Obama named Braun as “a champion of change”. Indeed, Braun not only changed but improved the lives of millions of wheelchair users from around the world.

11). Tom Cruise – The world-famous American movie actor, is extremely dyslexic, which is classed as a learning disability.

12), Elton John – World Famous singer-songwriter has struggled with epilepsy for years but was indeed induced by the years of drug use.

13). Robin Williams, an American comedian, and actor was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and bipolar disorder as an adult. Before his untimely death, he also received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

14). Daniel Radcliffe, a Famous actor for his starring roles in Harry potter suffers from dyspraxia, a neurological problem that impairs the organization of movement.

15). Christopher Reeve, an American actor who played the original Superman character, suffered a spinal cord injury whilst horse riding. He dedicated the remainder of his life to researching spinal cord injuries and inspired many people in his situation.

16). Rik Mayall, the British comedy actor, had a form of epilepsy and experienced seizures.

17). Sudha Chandran is an extremely talented Indian dancer and actress who, following an accident, had her right leg amputated and continued to gain a highly successful career in her industry.

18). Stevie Wonder, the well-known singer and pianist, is blind.

19). Adam Ant, the singer famous for songs like Stand and Deliver and Prince Charming, meanwhile, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

20). Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States for a massive four terms, went through polio and became a wheelchair user to help with his resulting paraplegia, although this was often hidden in official briefings and photographs.

Types of Physical Disabilities:

Physical Disabilities are not always immediately visible and can be broken down into many types of disorders, such as those that affect a person’s: Vision, Hearing, Thinking, Cognitive & Learning, Movement, Mental health, Remembering, Communicating, Social relationships.

Acquired brain injury

Brain injury after birth can include a blow to the head (head trauma) , stroke, alcohol or drugs, infection, diseases such as AIDs or cancer, or a lack of oxygen.

Cerebellar Atrophy

Famous People With Cerebellar Atrophy:

To Be added.

Cerebellar atrophy is the cerebellar portion of the brain, which is the part that controls motor function, movement, and the senses, which may not be all that is affected. Cerebellar atrophy is a neurological disease or process of wasting that affects the brain, brain stem, and potentially even the spinal cord. Atrophy occurs when human tissue decreases in size or shrinks to a size smaller than normal, or what is considered average. It can be referred to as body wasting, describing an observation that part of the body is diminishing. Atrophy takes place for a variety of reasons, including the following:

Immobilization: Limbs that have been placed in casts or that are unable to function are prone to muscle wasting, or atrophy. This means that when a muscle has not been used for a period of time, it’s slowly broken down and reabsorbed by the body.

Disease: Many musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular diseases can lead to atrophy. Other illnesses, such as cancer, can also put a drain on the body’s resources.

Trauma: Head trauma in some instances can restrict blood flow to the brain and may divert itself to areas of the body that are in critical need. When this diversion occurs for a prolonged period of time, vascular pathways begin to atrophy and blood flow establishes new routes based on priority.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/cerebellar-atrophy-causes-symptoms.html

Spina Bifida

Famous People with Spina Bifada Past & Present:

Hank Williams, Sr, Frida Kahlo – Artist, Jean Driscoll — Wheelchair Racer & Olympian, Jay Bradford Fowler — Poet, Jim LeBrecht – Sound Designer, Rene Kirby – Actor.

http://www.sbstl.com/education-and-resources/helpful-links/famous-people-spina-bifida/

Spina Bifida definition is the incomplete spine and spinal cord formation in utero. It can cause the spinal cord and nerves to be exposed on the surface of the back, instead of being inside a canal of bone surrounded by muscle. People with spina bifida suffer a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe physical ailments which can include paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain cavities), deformities of the spine, and learning difficulties. Spinal cord injury (SCI) The spinal cord can become injured if too much pressure is applied and/or if the blood and oxygen supply to the spinal cord is cut.

Cerebral Palsy

Famous People with Cerebral Palsy Past & Present:

Francesca Martinez. The 34 year old English stand-up comedienne and actress is perhaps best recognized for her appearances in Ricky Gervais’ BBC 2 series Extras, and children’s drama series Grange Hill in which she starred as character Rachel Burns for several years. Other famous people include Sophia Warner, Nicolas Hamilton, Abbey Curran, RJ Mitte.

Cerebral Palsy is usually due to an injury to the growing brain before birth or during labor, caused by a reduced blood supply and lack of oxygen to the brain. Illnesses during pregnancy such as rubella (the German measles), accidental injury to the brain, meningitis in young children, and premature birth can all be leading causes of the disability. Patients with Cerebral palsy may experience weakness in their limbs, difficulty walking, lack of muscle control, problems with coordination, involuntary movements, and other symptoms.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Famous People With Cystic Fibrosis Past & Present:

Lisa Bentley, Gunnar Esiason, Nolan Gottlieb, James Fraser Brown, Alice Martineau, Travis Flores, Nathan Charles, Sir Josh LLwellyn Jones OBE.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/notable-people-with-cystic-fibrosis-998264

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic disorder, which affects the body’s respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It primarily affects the mucus and sweat glands in the body, causing mucus to be thick and sticky. In relation to the lungs, this can block the airway passages and trap bacteria causing lung damage and recurrent infections. The most common symptoms of CF include sinus infections, liver damage, diabetes, poor growth, diarrhea, and infertility. People with CF can also have low salt levels in the body which causes problems such as tiredness, cramps, and high levels of thirst.

Epilepsy

Famous People with Epilepsy Past & Present:

Prince, Cameron Boyce, Danny Glover, Truman Capote, Tiki Barber.

https://www.ohioepilepsy.org/

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures due to a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. Often strobe lighting can onset an attack. Seizures can cause unusual movements, odd feelings or sensations, a change in a person’s behavior, or cause them to lose consciousness. The causes of epilepsy are not clear, however, brain injuries, strokes, cancer, brain infection, structural abnormalities of the brain, and other genetic factors may be contributing factors for a person to have seizures. There are many different types of epilepsy and the nature and severity of seizures experienced by people can vary widely. Some people can control their seizures with medication and the condition is not lifelong for every person.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Famous People With Multiple Sclerosis Past & Present:

Joan Didion. Joan Didion is an award-winning American author and screenwriter, Rachel Miner, Jack Osbourne, Clay Walker, Ann Romney, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Richard Pryor, Frasier C Robinson III, Gordon Schumer, Jason DaSilva.

https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/celebrities-with-ms

Multiple Sclerosis occurs when the myelin sheath that protects the spine– known as the protective tissue around nerve fibers in the body – becomes damaged, causing random patches, scars, or lesions. The scars can interfere with messages sent through the central nervous system, affecting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. The symptoms of MS can be genetic but can also be caused via brain trauma after birth and are very varied but can include fatigue, loss of motor control, tingling, numbness, visual disturbances, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. The progress and severity of MS can be difficult to predict – it may progress very slowly for one person, but develop quickly in another.

Tourette Syndrome

Famous People with Tourettte Syndrome Past & Present:

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connel (Born Dec. 18, 2001) American singer and songwriter, Dan Aykroyd, Dash Mihok, David Beckham, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Howard Hughes, Jamie Grace Harper, Jim Eisenreich – James Michael Eisenreich.

https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/tourettes.php

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary and repetitive vocalizations, sounds, and movements called tics. These tics are neurological, not behavioral – which means a person with Tourette syndrome cannot control them. Vocal tics can include sniffing, throat clearing, tongue clicking, grunting, or more rarely blurting out socially unacceptable words or phrases such as swearing. Motor tics can include eye blinking, shrugging, nose twitching, head jerking, facial expressions, touching objects or people, spinning around, imitating someone else’s actions, or jumping up and down. Tourette syndrome is typically diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 21. It is not known exactly what causes Tourette syndrome, but it is likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical (chemicals of the brain) factors.

Muscular Dystrophy

Famous People with Muscular Dystrophy:

Nawaal Akram, David Anthony (wheelchair rugby), Rona Barrett, Trevor Bentham, Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati, Steven Blier, Chew Chor Meng, Kitty Cone, Quentin Crewe, Ida Daly, Lynn Deas, Donnie Demers, Madison Ferris, Bryson Foster, Nikki Fox, Alex Fridman, Daniel Michel, Stacey Milbern, Dirceu Pinto, Darwin Ramos, Luigi Rocchi,Pedro Moreira Salles, Stuart Shorter, Pablo Soto (software developer), Rungroj Thainiyom, Bradley Walker (singer), J. T. Whitney, Yip Pin Xiu.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_with_muscular_dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is the progressive and irreversible weakness and loss of muscle mass. There are more than 30 different types of muscular dystrophy, and each has a separate cause. Symptoms include trouble walking, problems with breathing or swallowing, restriction in joint motion, and heart and other organ problems, symptoms can be varied from person to person. The most common symptoms of the disease appear in childhood, although in others it may not become apparent until middle age or older.

Dwarfism.

Famous People Past and Present with Dwarfism.

1). Peter Dinklage best known for playing the role of Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones.

2). Warwick Davis best known for playing the title roles in Willow and The Leprechaun

3). Tony Cox best known for his appearances in such films as Bad Santa and Me, Myself and Irene.

4). Zelda Rubinstein best known for her role in the Poltergeist film series. 

5). Verne Troyer best known for his role in the Austin Powers film series.

6). Jason Acuna AKA Wee Man is the best to know for being a part of the Jackass film and television series.

7). Angelo Rossitto best known for his work in silent films, but he also appeared in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

8). Billy Barty appeared in several films and television shows. He also founded the Little People of America organization in 1957.

9). David Rappaport was best known for his appearances in the films Time Bandits and The Bride. He was reportedly 3′ 11″ tall.

10). Felix Silla best known for playing Cousin Itt on The Addams Family. Before getting into Hollywood he performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

11). Harry Earles was best known for his performance in The Wizard of Oz. He and his three dwarf siblings were known as The Dancing Dolls.

12). Herve Villechaize best known for his performance in “Fantasy Island.” He had proportionate dwarfism, most likely due to an endocrine disorder.

13). Kenny Baker best known for portraying R2-D2 in the Star Wars franchise. He was 3 ft 8 inches tall and his parents were of average height.

14). Michael Dunn appeared in several notable films and television series. His dwarfism was caused by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia.

15). Michael J. Anderson best known for his role in “Twin Peaks.” His short stature was caused by the genetic disorder Osteogenesis imperfecta.

Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or less. The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm) Diseases Associated with Dwarfism are: Growth hormone deficiency; Achondroplasia

Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Disabilities include:

  1. Anxiety & Panic Attacks
  2. Bipolar Disorder
  3. Depression
  4. Eating Disorders (Bulimia & Anorexia)
  5. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  6. Personality Disorders
  7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  8. Psychosis
  9. Schizoaffective disorder
  10. Schizophrenia
  11. Self Harming
  12. Suicidal Feelings
  13. Addiction
  14. Claustrophobia
  15. Dysthemia
  16. ADHD
  17. Glophobia
  18. Hoplophobia
  19. Parasomnia
  20. Frigeophobia

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is something I suffer from and have done for the best part of 30 years.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. OCD can affect men, women, and children. Some people start having symptoms early on in life usually during puberty whilst for others, it can start during early adulthood. OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep it under control.

Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is having frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. An obsession is a thought you cannot get rid of and keeps repeating itself over on over again usually unwanted and unpleasant thoughts, images, or urges that enter a person’s mind, causing feelings of anxiety, insecurity, disgust, or unease. A compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought. For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave their house. Women can sometimes have OCD during pregnancy or after their baby is born. Obsessions may include worrying about harming the baby or not sterilizing feeding bottles properly. Compulsions could be things such as repeatedly checking the baby is breathing.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/

Famous People With OCD Past & Present

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio suffers from OCD and says that he allowed his condition to worsen in order to play Howard Hughes in “Aviator.”

His childhood memories were to step on cracks in the pavement and if he missed any he would have started all over again, even as far as a few blocks.

Jessica Alba

“Sin City” star Jessica Alba talked about her OCD in an interview with CosmoGirl stating,

“It was like a panic comes over me and I had to do something, and once I did it, I was OK. …

It was really me needing to control something.”

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake suffers from OCD that makes him need everything to be organized perfectly. 

He also only allows certain foods in his refrigerator.

Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry suffers from OCD and says that she brushes her teeth 4-6 times a day.

Howie Mandel

Howie Mandel has been very open about his OCD.  He calls handrails his enemy.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz’s OCD makes her have a fear of germs.

David Beckham

Soccer great David Beckham has admitted to struggling with OCD saying that he has to reorganize hotel rooms in order to feel comfortable and keeping things organized and symmetrical.

Charlize Theron

“Young Adult” star Charlize Theron says that her OCD keeps her up at nights worrying about messy cabinets and closets.

Albert Einstein

Historians believe that Albert Einstein suffered from OCD, as do many individuals with very high levels of intelligence.

Penélope Cruz

“Vanilla Sky” actress Penelope Cruz is said to suffer from OCD.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has OCD and needs things to be in order.  He told Dr. Oz that his OCD even propelled him to fix a stranger’s shirt collar at a restaurant.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

“Client List” star Jennifer Love Hewitt thinks she inherited her OCD from her mother.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin self-diagnosed his OCD.  Baldwin spoke of the frustrating nature of his condition stating,

“The thing is, you always feel the need to do it, mostly when there’s something at stake. Like,

I will literally be leaving my apartment in New York and I’ve got to go to the airport.

The worst possible time is when the bell rings loudest. A voice will say to me, ‘Move the snowglobe to the right three inches.”

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson had Body Dismorphic Disorder which is similar to OCD.

Rose McGowan

“Planet Terror” star Rose McGowan suffers from OCD related to agoraphobia.

Harrison Ford

“Star Wars” star Harrison Ford says that his OCD is related to his fear of spiders and reptiles.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump says that his OCD prevents him from shaking hands with people.

(Which is Fake News in my opinion as I have seen him shake hands).

Martin Scorsese

Director Martin Scorsese suffers from OCD and he explored the depths of the condition in his film “The Aviator.”

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr has struggled with OCD and she talked about her experience with Larry King.

Howard Stern

Howard Stern’s OCD developed as a defense mechanism when he was first starting out. 

Stern stated, “When I was in college and nervous about entering the world of broadcasting and earning a living, the pressure was enormous. …

As a defense mechanism, my brain had set up an elaborate maze of rituals that kept me from confronting my fear.”

Woody Allen

Filmmaker Woody Allen has OCD and the main subject that he obsesses about is death.

Nikola Tesla

Historians believe that Nikola Tesla suffered from OCD in his later years.

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple suffers from OCD and she calls it a problem that can destroy your life.

Dan Aykroyd

“Blues Brothers” star Dan Aykroyd suffers from Tourettes, Aspergers and OCD.

Charles Darwin

Researches believe that Charles Darwin most likely suffered from OCD.

Stanley Kubrick

“A Clockwork Orange” director Stanley Kubrick is thought to have had OCD because of the way that he would shoot an excessive amount of takes when filming his movies.

Kathie Lee Gifford

Talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford is thought to have OCD.

Billy Bob Thornton

“Sling Blade” star Billy Bob Thornton calls suffering from OCD exhausting.

Marc Summers

TV show host Marc Summers suffers from OCD.  Who knows how Summers managed to deal with all of the slimy messes on his Nickelodeon show “Double Dare.”

Cole Porter

People speculate that composer Cole Porter most likely suffered from OCD.

Michelangelo

Historians believe that Michelangelo suffered from OCD.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Researchers believe that Ludwig van Beethoven displayed many symptoms of OCD.

Howard Hughes

Entrepreneur and filmmaker Howard Hughes suffered from OCD and used to obsess over the size of peas. 

Later in his life, Hughes became a recluse and continuously watched movies.

Samuel Johnson

Historians believe that Samuel Johnson likely suffered from OCD.

Stonewall Jackson

Researchers find that Stonewall Jackson demonstrated many of the symptoms of OCD.

Jeremy Kyle

Talk show host Jeremy Kyle suffers from OCD.

Warren Zevon

“Werewolves of London” songwriter Warren Zevon suffered from OCD. 

He developed a friendship with fellow OCD sufferer Billy Bob Thorton later in his life.

Charles Dickens

Historians believe that “A Christmas Carol” author Charles Dickens likely suffered from OCD.

Marcel Proust

Historians believe that Marcel Proust suffered from OCD.

Fred Durst

Limp Biscuit front man Fred Durst says that suffering from OCD makes touring really tough.

Gerald Kaufman

Gerald Kaufman has self-diagnosed his OCD.

Joey Ramone

Joey Ramone had a severe case of OCD and low self-esteem.

John Melendez

John Melendez, better known as “Stuttering John,” suffers from OCD, just like his good friend and boss Howard Stern.

Natalie Appleton

Pop singer Natalie Appleton suffers from a mild case of OCD.

Jane Horrocks

British actress/musician Jane Horrocks has been diagnosed with OCD.

Steven Gerrard

Soccer star Steven Gerrard’s OCD manifests itself as constant hand washing.

Emily Lloyd

British actress Emily Lloyd has gotten treatment for OCD and she blames the disorder for stalling her career.

Paul Gascoigne

Soccer star Paul Gascoigne suffers from OCD as well as other mental illnesses.

Tim Howard

Soccer player Tim Howard had a tough time in school coping with his OCD.

Ian Puleston-Davies

Actor Ian Puleston-Davies has OCD and a fear of germs.

Jim Eisenreich

Baseball player Jim Eisenreich was diagnosed with Tourettes and OCD.

Volkert van der Graaf

Murderer Volkert van der Graaf has been diagnosed with OCD and Aspergers

Baroness Michelle Mone (OBE)

Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Interior/Jewellery/Bra Designer proclaims to have OCD for being neat, tidy, and symmetrical as quoted in her book.

**Final thoughts!

We are not alone.

Often taking people for granted and not always knowing what people are going through and judging a person for being different sometimes can cause the person who is suffering to feel much worse. Never be judgemental.

I once told my daughter’s Godfather’s partner I have Cerebellar Atrophy & OCD and she laughed, I am thick-skinned to a certain degree but I thought that was uncalled for considering she has a hearing impairment and knows what it is like to live with a disability. I made the conscious decision to sever ties with both of them after that.

I may not be perfect but I am caring and kind. Treat me with respect and you will be respected.

With all the famous people that I have mentioned above, that have and are affected with disorders and disabilities not to mention other people who may be suffering from an incurable and sometimes terminal diseases, you have to say yourself and ‘Thank God Every Day’ that you have been given another day to make a difference in the world and think that there is always someone much worse off than you. So finding the strength to carry on and make the world a better place you will be leaving a legacy for your family, friends and your children. There is absolutely no excuse that you cannot turns things around and make your life better. If you do not try you cannot succeed.