Sylvia Plath’s suicide has brought much speculation about the poet’s mental stability throughout the years since her death. Modern culture, the media and scholars alike have come to the conclusion that Plath suffered from a mental illness called bipolar disorder. This diagnosis seems seriously possible due to the study of her journals and writings throughout her life. They exemplify her “mood swings” and suicidal tendencies which is the core to bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by periods of excitability alternating with periods of depression. The mood shifts between the “high” and “lows” can be very abrupt. Bipolar Disorder was termed manic depression many years back. There is no exact answer to the cause of this disorder, but heredity seems to be the logical explanation. The largest risk factor contributed with bipolar disorder is suicide.

            Much of Hollywood these days has jumped at the chance to showcase this disorder on center stage. With millions of people worldwide suffering from mental illness it is only fitting that they have a voice, and the public as a whole gets some answers. “Girl, Interrupted” a 1993 film starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie depicted several themes related to mental illness and society’s interpretation of it. The new television show 90210 dedicated an entire episode to the explanation of bipolar disorder. “Silver” one of the main characters on the show portrayed a teenage girl conflicted with the manic/depressive state. The most compelling part of the show was the end where the actress did a public service announcement regarding the disorder and urged teens that were affected to get help.

            Many celebrities, authors and artists have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, novelist Virginia Wolff and “funny man” Ben Stiller are prime examples. Bipolar Disorder is treatable and very manageable under the right medication and supervision. The ending does not have to be as bleak as Sylvia Plath. There is hope and modern culture is trying to help educate everyone on the importance of this issue.