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Charlie Sheen Suffers from DIGFAST (mania)
Are you sick of Charlie Sheen? Charlie isn't sick of Charlie Sheen -- not by a long shot. But Charlie Sheen is sick. The question is, what exactly does he suffer from?
Let's Shrink Charlie!
In the wee hours of the morning I found myself unable to sleep. So I turned on the TV. Surprise, surprise! Even at 2 a.m. guess who's on? Charlie Sheen! He's everywhere! On the news! On the radio! In the newspaper! All over the blogosphere! He's comandeered all the media. Maybe he has morphed into Rupert Murdoch!!
Somehow I had managed to miss the announcement of the special called "Charlie Sheen ... Winning or Losing It?" hosted by Dr. Drew (Pinsky, of "Celebrity Rehab" fame). It has been airing repeatedly this week. My bet is that VH1 is playing beat-the-clock. I mean, The Sheen Machine is revved up so high, it's moving so fast, that the content of this show could be ancient history by ...tomorrow.
Dr. Drew website
The experts say it's...
Bleary-eyed and exhausted, I was not able to absorb everything being said on this Dr. Drew special. I do know Dr. Drew had a couple of other addiction experts and psychologists offering their "diagnoses" of Charlie. "What's eating Charlie Sheen?" seems to be a popular passtime among legitimate and armchair psychiatrists alike these days. Seriously. Everybody's got a theory on Charlie. All the world's a shrink.
Now, If we are to believe this particular panel of mental health experts, Charlie Sheen is BIPOLAR. How do we know this? He failed (or would that be "passed"?) the DIGFAST test. DIGFAST is a nifty little mnemonic for the "cardinal symptoms of manic espisode."
D-I-G-F-A-S-T = MANIC
D is for Distractability
I is for Indiscretion (excessive involvement in pleasurable activities*)
G is for Grandiosity
F is for Flight of Ideas
A is for Activity Increase
S is for Sleep Deficit (decreased need for sleep)
T is for Talkativeness (pressured speech)
Diagnostic Note: A manic episode requires at least one week of elevated or irritable mood plus three of the seven symptoms described above.
* Definition from DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.)
Let's see how our friend Charlie scores. Let's pretend we're playing that basketball game where you earn a letter for every basket (sometimes known as HORSE, but in this case we're spelling out DIGFAST).
Distractability +1
Indiscretion +2 (one for each of his "goddesses." Oops! Only 1 point per letter)
Grandiosity +5 (just kidding, +1)
Flight of Ideas +1
Activity Increase +1
Sleep Deficit ???*
Talkativeness +1
Symptoms have been in evidence for more than one week: Check
Exhibits at least three of the seven symptoms: Check
*There is no direct evidence that Charlie is sleeping less. Deductive reasoning tells us he is. He certainly looks haggard and hollow-eyed. And given his self-proclaimed sexploits with his two goddesses (I believe one's a prostitute and one's an actress), it's safe to assume he's spending his nights engaged in actvities other than sleeping. But that one's not verifiable. So we'll score Charlie a "0" for "S."
So based on the above, Charlie is for sure DIGFAT -- close enough, don't you think, to a full-on, bona fide DIGFAST manic episode?
Bipolar ... or Addict?
But wait! What about his addiction problem? Isn't Charlie's primary problem that he abuses drugs and alcohol? Isn't he famous for his binges?
Yes. Charlie is an addict/alcoholic. No one is disputing that. (No one could possibly dispute that.)
But what Dr. Drew et al are saying is that Charlies is also bipolar.
The two conditions frequently co-occur. In fact, 60% of bipolar people "self-medicate" with drugs and/or alcohol.
When queried about his bipolar diagnosis, Sheen's description of his abnormal brain activity is classic bipolar. Textbook, even. (See video below.)
When asked why he turned to alcohol and drugs, Charlie responds, "They work!" That simple statement speaks volumes.
Collectors' Items
Rehab, psych ward, or...
Sheen's aberrant behavior is esclating. Use whatever metaphor you like. He's a speeding train about to derail. He's spiralling down. He's about to hit his bottom.
Charlie Sheen can't go on like this indefinitely. He must be stopped or he will crash. And it won't be pretty.
The question right now is, what help would benefit Charlie most?
Does he belong back in drug rehab? He claims he is doing "rehab at home." To give him the benefit of the doubt, he may really be clean. For the moment.
But the longer he continues in this hyperactive state, the more likely he is to relapse. He does not value sobriety. He's made that clear. So what stands between Charlie and his next epic binge? Absolutely nada.
Or is bipolar the more pressing mental health issue? Being bipolar puts him at a higher risk for suicide. Given the severity of his symptoms, he is also at risk for a total break from reality. (Some people think this has already occurred.)
Now, bipolar does not typically require inpatient treatment -- unless the patient becomes a danger to himself or others. Charlie's estranged wife, Brooke Mueller, is concerned enough that she has physically removed their twin sons from Sheen's residence. She is demanding that Sheen undergo analysis as a condition of visitation. Clearly, she doesn't trust him to be around their kids. She fears Charlie might harm them. But that's not enough to have him committed.
Dr. Drew and the experts agree: Charlie (desperately) needs help.
... or let Charlie be Charlie?
As the saying goes, you can lead someone to treatment, but you can't make them recover. Both addiction and mental illness require 100% patient cooperation and compliance. You can't have surgery or pop a magic pill and become healed. If you expect to get well you've gotta want it. And you've gotta work it.
At present, Charlie sees absolutely nothing wrong -- not one thing -- with his current situation. In his mind, he's on a "winning" streak. Okay, so there's tiger's blood coming out of his fangs, but is that necessarily a bad thing? Apparently not for Charlie.
The thing is, he has every right to live this way. It's his life. He has a right to refuse help. He justifies his actions and dismisses his critics.
This is how Charlie Sheen says he wants to "roll."
What we see is a man who is deep in DIGFAST mode. He's digging faster and faster. We all know he's digging is his own grave.
Charlie, there are millions of people who care about you. I know you can't hear me. I know you're not listening to anyone but the committee in your head. But please, Charlie: it's time to put the shovel down.
Not Bipolar. "Bi-Winning."
Related
Comments
I absolutely agree with KoffeeKlatch Gals on this one, I'v been through this manic bi-polar seen with a few close loved one's now and they always think they are perfectly o.k. everyone else is the crazy one's here. Very good hub, it is good to stay aware of this very serious disease that should be treated properly. Thanks for sharing.
What we need to end the media obsession with CS is a good (mostly) old-fashioned royal wedding. Oh wait! There's one next Friday! And other than someday becoming King and Queen, the happy couple is "normal"...i.e. no drug/alcohol/mental problems to analyze ad nauseum, so the media is rehashing the groom's dead mother's mental state. Go figure.
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Yes she is! We are in the market for a kitten. What fun the shopping has been!!!
I think yr right sadly and as for kitten - she is gorgeous I have to admit.
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Jet -- I know, hunh? Who would have known that about CZJ? She's like the opposite of CS. Keeps it on the down low. Even during Michael's cancer ordeal, she remained stoic. She is also one of my favorite actresses. LOL. Not surprising, really, is it???
Lesleysherwood --
As much as I want to take your comment seriously I am having to physically restrain myself form wanting to smush my nose into your avatar! Could that kitten be any cuter??? I wuv kitties!
Anyway, back to your question. Media attention is already cooling on Charlie (thank GOD). I think Charlie will continue on as he is until he crashes. He does not want to get well. He wants to live Charlie's way. And as long as the responsibility for his kids has been removed from him (sad as that is), that's his right. I would be thrilled to be wrong on this, btw.
Thanks for commenting.
MM
Vote up. I wonder what the outcome of Charlie will be?
Really? Catherine Zeta-Jones is bipolar? She's one of my favorite actresses. I didn't know that. Thank you as well for the intel. Haha. :)
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Good for him! I don't think he has ever denied being bipolar. He has just chosen to self-medicate, which is to say, anti-medicate.
The name "Charlie Sheen" carries a lot of weight and I'm glad he is aligning himself with the cause.
Also just read that Catherine Zeta-Jones just finished inpatient psychiatrc care for bipolar. She'd be a FABULOUS spokesperson --
Thanks for the intel, my friend! MM
Well, he just announced he'll be a part of the Bipolar Awareness Walk. Hmm.
Watching Sheen's "tiger blood" interview made me think that I could go down this delusional road myself, given enough celebrity and money.
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TG -- "It's better to burn out than to fade away..." Neil Young (not an addict). "Die young, stay pretty..." (Deborah Harry, recovering addict).
"A bottle in one hand and a redhead in the other" (fabulous image, btw) made me think of this:
Said Red Molly to James that's a fine motorbike
A girl could feel special on any such like
Said James to Red Molly, well my hat's off to you
It's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952
And I've seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme
And he pulled her on behind
And down to Box Hill they did ride. -- Richard Thompson (who also sings "God Loves a Drunk"
Anyway, I hear ya loud and clear. Some days I still yearn for the wild life meself:)!
SUSIE405.Celebrity and family don't always mix well. Given Charlie's past history with his first wife and now Brooke and the twins, it doesn't appear that domesticity is high on his agenda. And he is insulated from reality. Right now, they are simply not on his radar screen at all. Sad to say, but true. He has a long, steep climb back up to normalcy. I'm not holding my breath...Thanks for visiting!
ubalildon -- Thank you! I like your avatar!! MM
nice hub, well written
Charlie's success is destroying him. If he lives long enough, hopefull he will eventually realize how he is trying to destroy himself and his family.
Charlie so reminds me of George Best, its hell I will worry about dying tomorrow just top my glass up now. As an addict myself I have to say if I had the money or fame that both had I would gladly crash out with a bottle in one hand and a redhead in the other lol, and thank you for a good read.
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blake4d. Thanks.
TattoGuy -- LOL. Do you honestly think that if crashing and burning were still and option for me I would be slaving away writing online? Hell NO! But even in my heyday I never had the sheer audacity combined with talent that CS has.
The thing that frigging pisses me off about Charlie is he can get away with it. Oh well. Good for him!
Thanks for your comment. MM
I love your hubs MM and I also love Charlie Sheen as he does whatever to hell he wants and doesn't give a shit. If I had his life I would crash and burn, who to hell wants to live until 80 and be telling their grandkids they had a hubscore of 100.
Enjoyed reading this though ; )
Thanx for your open minded response MM. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d
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Chris Crow, thanks for your comment. No, I missed his Jimmy Kimmel visit but saw enough other ones to catch the drift. He is happy with himself. He doesn't see how his behavior negatively affects those around him, including his kids.
CaravanHolidays. Bingo. He will get away with as much as he can until he no longer can. That's how it works. Why would he stop voluntarily when he is being rewarded with media fawning and oodles of $$$?
I get your point that "bipolar" has become overdiagnosed.
In Charlie's case, given his history of addiction, and given his totally grandiose (well beyond "large") personality, I believe he does have a true mental disorder. Hey, if the acronym (DIGFAST) fits, own it!
As to your other question -- what do you think of "sociopaths"? I think it fits the politician personality. I seem to recall pathological lying and inability to emphathize with others' feelings as being two of the telltale signs of sociopathy. Tee hee.
Sounds like a good hub topic to me!
Thanks for visiting and commenting.
It seems to me that Charlie quite simply gets away with what he can. If he couldn't get away with (i.e. lack of money through loss of job = no more fun) he might alter his behavior. He's as crazy as we let him be. Do we really start calling everyone with a large personality 'bipolar'? What psychological category should we invent for lying/thieving politicians?
That sounds like you've just diagnosed him. Did you see his bizarre visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show. He's reveling in his notoriety and still just so happy with himself.
Poor Charlie Sheen... Personally, I think that wealth and fame are poison for sufferers of Bipolar Disorder. And Charlie has both of them.
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Thank you, glowingrocks. Addiction is a personal hell. THere are hundreds -- thousands even -- of celebrities (actors, musicians, etc.) who have gotten clean and sober. They do not command attention for their sobriety. Only the ones still suffering. Sad.
Thanks for your comment! MM
It is ashamed that many famous people become good examples of what NOT to be.From politics to sports to acting some of those people lead many down the wrong path.Addition has a way of destroying ones life and is always a BAD example.
Good write Mighty Mom.
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Hey thanks, shygirl!
It does seem like celebrities get more attention for acting out than for simply acting!
I have never cared for the actor, but I also was not aware he may be considered bi-polar. That would explain it! I enjoyed your hub, as it explained a lot more than the tabloids or news media did. I guess he felt it was his turn to go for the unpopular media frenzy, now that most of the news about Mel Gibson has subsided. Enjoyed reading all your comments as well. : )
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Hello blake4d.
I can only speak for myself and not for other commenters. I don't consider Charlie Sheen the "enemy" at all. I am not at all bigoted against him -- in fact, I have much empathy, as I happen to suffer from both conditions Charlie suffers from. Which is why I use the word "coddle." Could just as accurately use the term "enable." With less money and less attention, Charlie would hit the wall sooner, that's all.
He is obviously entertaining people. and also doing good with his proceeds (donating to Japan relief).
There is a long, some would say proud, history of artists who have publicly flamed out. It's their right, and in most cases, a big part of their legacy.
I must say, yours is the first post I've ever seen to put Marilyn Manson, gay marriage and evolution in the same sentence. Interesting.
Thanks for visting and sharing your thoughts! MM
Every opinion expressed above is an easy fall back position that requires no thinking other than being biogoted. All of you sound like you resent not being in his position more than basing anything on facts. Maybe everyone out ther should just shut themeselves up. Theres an idea. Charlie Sheen is not the Enemy any more than Marilyn Manson, gay marriage or evolution. Idiots all of you are.
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Badger him? More like coddle him! He is going on tour and his venues are sold out! He is selling t-shirts, etc. with his crazy sayings on them on a site on the Internet. Those are selling out.
All kinds of TV specials ...
Fanning the flames with gasoline, that's what the public is doing...
Watching Charlie Sheen on a news show is like watching a train wreck. I think they need to leave the man alone and hopefully someone can lead him to help. The more they badger him the less likely he is to ever admit that there is anything wrong with him.
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Hi CV, Sorry I missed your visit yesterday. Thanks for the comment. I think you're not alone in being sick of Charlie!
Kaya -- You are one of the few to show compassion. But you hit the nail right on the head. He would flame out so much faster without the money and the media feeding on his fame. It's really sad. But until the money and the cameras go away, there is little to no chance Charlie will choose wellness. Why should he???
I really feel sorry for him. Mental illness coupled with fame, drugs, and money equals disaster. I can barely watch his interviews.
Everyday for the past month, I have heard a story about Charlie Sheen. I think he is about to drive me crazy! heh
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Wow, Teylina! Love the candelabra metaphor! Also love that you put CS into the context of a talented and well-respected family. It makes it all the more tragic for me to know his dad fought similar (alcoholic, not sure about bipolar too) demons and faced them down.
There are many wounded celebrities out there and my heart goes out of all of them that they find recovery and peace. But most of those who choose to battle publicly engender only derision. You really have to hand it to Charlie for being exceptional and creative in his illness.
I really enjoyed (and learned from) your comment and value your friendship here on HP. Thank you! MM
Glad I'm following you, Mighty Mom, even though I'm always behind. Really good piece you've written. Like some other people, it's the only one I've bothered to read about Charlie because I remember your comments (and mine) on your '2011 dead celebrity list.' Almost stopped when you started on the bipolar track, but glad I stayed with you. Very well done, and beautifully finished. Re some comments: not sure about 'pathetic' I saw somewhere. It feels sad, but I don't equate them. Neither do I think we're 'playing his game'(if I remember the phrase), as someone commented. We've been drawn into the media blitz because if we watch or read anything except a book--why didn't you try that, Ms Sleepless?--we're exposed to Charlie--like it or not; that's not playing games. That's reality in this world. We don't want to watch some things, but we can't help it. When I visit, my eyes are drawn to her old candelabra with its crystal prisms. There are flaws from wear and tear and age in it, but I don't notice them. It's still beautiful. What I notice--what you see--is the prism that's broken away. It's precariously hanging loose--lower than the others--from a crook of thin metal that cannot be repaired because it cannot be reached. Anyone who's seen a high-wire balancing act fleetingly lose balance must admit they are drawn to the one who may lose balance; we agonize with the rest, hoping they maintain stability, but we watch the one falling. Charlie is part of a very talented, intelligent family. "Tragic yet interesting" was a good way of expressing how many of us feel. You don't have to like Charlie to feel for him. There are so many out there who are losing touch, or have already lost touch, with reality we should feel for; perhaps the only reason we don't is because they are not celebrities or part of a famous family. Gotta hand it to you, lady; you wrote this well. So many people have their take on bipolar because celebrities have made it okay to talk about it, and most of the time I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading whatever it is I read. This was good. You ended it perfectly, but Charlie is the one holding the shovel. Can anyone get it away from him? Cops say, 'put the gun down,' and we wait with our breath caught to see what happens. We're waiting to see what Charlie does with his shovel; it's human nature. "cultural enigma"--so true, MM. Good piece. Thanks for the comment, Motown2chitown.
Thank you, me too!
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It is a cultural enigma of the highest order, isn't it?
Thanks for reading my take on what is making Charlie such a trainwreck.
I hope he accepts help. But I have serious doubts.
Good to see you, my friend! MM
What on earth happened to put Charlie in the limelight so suddenly? I personally don't give a rat's patooty about the guy, but it is fascinating to watch. Tragic yet interesting-a media combo to die for!
This is the only piece of writing I've chosen to read on Mr. Sheen. Wonderful job, MM!
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suejanet -- that sums him up perfectly!
ladyjane -- charlie's ahead of LL in age and years of abuse. but it's a close call, unfortunately.
shalini -- i don't want to be the one who burst your bubble, but i don't think he's gonna get better OR go back to that show. i hope i'm wrong!
TM -- you know you're overexposed when even a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami doesn't completely knock you out of the media spotlight. i find that repulsive, actually.
but great to see you (and your 3 cuties!) MM
Awesome MM - I am sick and tired of Charlie Sheen right about now but your hub got my attention and held it. Sheen is all kinds of crazy. Awesome hub!! Voted up!
Hi again MM :)
I do hope he gets help and gets better soon - I love that show!!
Nice hub about Charlie Sheen. I have been a fan of Two and a Half men for a while and have enjoyed Charlie on the show and his past movies but he has clearly lost his mind and I agree that the problem runs deeper than just his ego and grandios attitude. He needs therapy and lots of it. The only question that remains is who will make it to the celebrity morgue first, Charlie or Lindsey Lohan? Nice job here. Cheers.
I absolutely agree. Charlies Sheen is just full of Charlie Sheen.
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Well well, old friend Shalini! What you doing slumming on a hub about a crazy celebrity, lady? Just kidding. As always, GREAT to see you!
Yes, addiction is tough. Charlie's problems go beyond addiction, tho. He's even crazier without the drugs.
I do hope he gets help. Soon.
Sad about him and about the show being stopped. Addiction's such an awful thing, isn't it?
And how the mighty (not you, MM!!) have fallen! Charlie Sheen gets more pathetic everyday.
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You raise an excellent point, stricktlydating. There is a valid reason bipolars self-medicate. We intuitively know we need to quiet our unquiet minds.
Charlie knows his brain is not normal.
I so wish he would accept help. God bless him and all the Sheen family.
Thanks for the insightful comment! MM
Great info in this Hub made it an interesting read. My opinion is that he has stopped taking his drugs (self-medication) and this is how he is without them. And I think you're right, he can't go on like that forever.
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Hi Rosie2010. Thanks for adding your perspective to the discussion. Charlie Sheen has indeed been fired from the show. He is now suing them for breach of contract. From what I understand, his complaint is based on ADA. So if that is true, he is admitting that he has a mental illness and the producers of the show did not provide "adequate accommodation." We'll see who prevails. More important, we'll see IF Charlie agrees to get help.
Hiya Mighty Mom, great hub about Charlie Sheen and his condition. I like Two and Half Men and I'm sorry that Charlie Sheen might be fired (or has he already been fired?) and the show will not be the same anymore. I'm also sorry for him as he was given a second chance with his hit TV show, and he is blowing it, if not already. It is sad. Charlie Sheen is mentally ill and he needs medical help.. not a so-called rehab. I wish him the best.
Have a nice day,
Rosie
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Me 2, 2besure!
Thanks for commenting. MM
I do believe that Mr. Sheen has a mental illness. Many people with mental illness, self-medicate to try to balance out. I hope he gets the help he needs.
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Hi Sembj,
My sentiments exactly! Watching how we all react to Charlie is more fascinating than Charlie will ever be. And yes, as bad as his behavior is, if he should decide to get his act together, he will definitely be given another chance. That is the Hollywood way....
As for the relationship between bipolar and self-medicating, the mental health community lists them as "co-occurring." It is difficult to diagnose bipolar until the chemicals are cleaned out of the system.
But I agree, one of the inevitable outcomes of untreated alcoholism is insanity (one reason so many alcoholics end up killing themselves). If you have the disease of alcoholism, you have basically 3 choices. You will either go crazy, die, or arrest the disease progression by getting sober... Not a happy picture is it?
The argument that bi-polar people frequently self-medicate with alcohol and drugs is made frequently; why, I wonder, is not a theory advanced that says indulging in a lot of alcohol and drugs might well lead to bi-polar conditions.
In any event, I never watched him on the show but have enjoyed watching his current antics. Perhaps I'll eventually feel sorry for him but it does seem that he's the architect of his own eventual melt-down. He's lucky that he's living in a time and place that will probably give him another chance if he does ever decide to straighten himself up a bit.
Interesting Hub and watching how we all react to Charlie is almost as interesting as viewing him! Thanks.
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Caribqueen -- Bingo. And I fear we should all prepare for a premature death of Charlie Sheen. He does not want or think he needs help. So be it.
M2C. So you definitely know the impact on family, as do I. The famiy has spent years trying to help Charlie. He has rejected their help. They are now taking care of themselves (as they should). I suspect Al-Anon is at work in their lives. The dignity of letting go with love is really showing. I add my prayers to yours! MM
Speaking of his family, MM, my heart is breaking for all of them. I come from a family of addicts and mentally ill individuals. I believe that his family is handling this with class and a great deal of dignity. I pray for them all.
No-one can help Charlie until he realises that he really needs help. Only Charlie can help Charlie. But do not despair - everthing comes to an end sooner or later.
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Hey there M2C,
That's what I've heard about the TV show. As such, I have no interest. Bad enough in person, why base a TV show on Charlie's bad behavior?
Pamela99 -- You and me both. It's getting ridiculous. The entire news world has lost its senses over this.
Yet is anyone of them actually HELPING Charlie? No. They are "enabling" him in his disease. Shut off the oxygen and he'll be forced to face the real consequences a lot sooner.
It's no surprise the Sheen/Estevez family is staying mum. Good for them.
I am so tired of seeing Charlie Sheen face on the TV no matter what channel you're on. Obviously he's got serious problems but why is a worldwide news all day every day. His grandiosity keeps him in the spotlight but why do we play the game?
Yeah, MM, I agree that Charlie is capable of acting. Two and a Half Men is not a good example of his talent though. He just plays a much toned down version of HIMSELF on the show.
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Micky Dee -- I am proud to say I have never, not once, watched "Two and a Half Men." Guess I'll never know what I was missing! Oh well. Yes, it's good to remember Charlie is capable of ACTING (Platoon comes to mind).
I share your hope that Charlie and his ilk get help.
The best thing we can all do (but won't) is turn off the attention spigot!
Mentalist acer -- You've said it all. Eloquently! Money is the greatest enabler in the world!
Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Charlie Sheen,Britney Spears,Gary Busey and the rest need life coping skills,light medication,and to run out of money.;)
I don't get regular TV and don't look for Charlie but in some movies. He's quite charming there. I'm sure ALL of the celebrities I've seen would be horrible to live with. There should be no "idolizing" with any of them. I hope they all get help and the folks who "follow them". God bless Mighty Mom!
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Hi Lynda,
When I saw the you had commented my immediate reaction was, "Now that's odd. She's way too sensible and literary to care about CS." And I was right!
I agree with you about his outward behavior. But... I am fascinated by the underlying issues. That kind of ego and sense of entitlement and alternate reality goes with the territory. In other words, it's not only because he's a celebrity and rich enough to cavort with hos and snort his nose off. The same behaviors and attitudes would manifest in other manic episode bipolars. The difference is, they wouldn't get the media coverage. THANK GOD!!!
Like everyone else, I'm sick to death of Charlie Sheen, but more, I'm sick of the media pounding the subject to death. Whatever else is wrong with him, it's certain he suffers from a highly inflated ego. His sense of entitlement is staggering. Drugs? Alcohol? Bipolar? I don't know, and don't care. True. I don't give a damn about Charlie Sheen. If he wants to live with porn stars and blow a fortune up his nose, it's nothing to me.
Sigh. I only read this because you wrote it, Mighty Mom.
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Hey JJ! Glad to hear from you!!
That story about your grandma is CLASSIC. I mean it's tragic and horrifying to think of her on her sprees. But in a way, a blessing to finally understand what was compelling her to act so strangely. It surely is a destructive disease. And so hard to unentwine the drinking/using from the bipolar. It all looks crazy from the outside!
I totally agree with you about the sick voyeurism. But peopole love this stuff -- look at the popularity of the tabloids, shows like "Celebrity Rehab"... the list goes on and on.
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting! MM
Hey girl, I liked this a lot. My grandmother is bipolar and she was a raging alcoholic in her earlier years and very promiscuous as well. Ofcourse it wasn't until later in her life she was diagnosed as manic/bipolar and it explained her earlier behavior. I personally think Charlie has always had a bipolar predisposition but perhaps the signs hadn't shown themselves until after his abuse of alcohol and drugs that pushed his body and mental state over the edge. Now he is in a total manic state in the public eye and instead of people trying to help him people keep commenting on these gossip shows like ET and EXTRA that they find it fascinating. How is ruining one's life so fascinating? Some of these celebrities don't give a crap. Honestly I don't care for Charlie Sheen, I think he is an arrogant prick but I do feel a sense of sympathy for his mental condition and the fact that he is in denial is a sure sign that things will get a lot worse before (or if) they ever make a turn for the better. I sure hope that his father Martin takes a conservatorship over him quick because its obvious he is in a "5150" state and he needs to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital quick.
My mother had to declare my grandma as 5150 after she withered millions of dollars and properties away that was in my great grandfather's family trust and by the time my mom went to court and won conservatorship all the money was gone. My grandmother went on a manic spree buying complete strangers brand new caddillacs and even went with some young guy to Iowa where he left her at a hotel and stole all of her credit cards. needless to say she got drunk, acted crazy and ended up in jail and was banned from the state of Iowa FOREVER!! (I am so serious)!!! My mom had to take the family attorney out there and bail her out and put her in a mental hospital. It was drama! She is better now that she is on her meds but she is extremely ill. So sad, bipolar is not a joke. GOOD HUB GIRL!!
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Hi OpinionDuck. I understand your point. I make a point of avoiding all the "what crazy thing has Charlie Sheen said or done today?" frenzy.
I watched this show because both addiction and bipolar are topics of interest to me (I've hubbed about both). And I learned something new, the DIGFAST mnemonic.
I actually care very much about Charlie Sheen. Celebrity notwithstanding, I know dozens of "Charlies."
If the guy doesn't want sobriety, if he rejects the label of bipolar, he can live as he wishes. That is his right.
Hello Motown2Chitown, thanks for commenting. Don't know how you managed to read this so fast, as I have been editing it constantly. But it's great to know someone who sees the situation as I do. Yours in the spirit of mood stabilization! MM
You know, I've actually been avoiding as much exposure to Charlie Sheen as I'm able to, but this week, two of my favorite hubbers have written about him. This was actually really well done. Thanks so much for sharing, and for thinking about him differently than the rest of the world does (but exactly like I do). This hub acknowledges that he is a person - a very sick person in need of help. Unfortunately, he's the only one who can ask for it. Sadly, bipolar disorder is another example of the law of gravity. What goes up MUST come down. And he will, soon. I just hope he doesn't come down without a net.
I am not a fan of the television news provided experts.
I think that it is unprofessional and unethical for these doctors to make evaluations on people that they are not treating. In addition, if they were treating them then it would be confidential information.
Either way, this is wrong.
I you cared about Charlie Sheen then you should not be watching these witch hunt TV shows, and remember it is his life.
Sorry, I shouldn't have gotten into your private life.
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