We lost another entertainment icon today. Actress, author, and advocate Carrie Fisher passed away at age 60. She is best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars movie franchise.
Fisher also dealt with bipolar disorder and addiction. She was a badass, outspoken advocate for those of us who struggle with mental illnesses.
She once said:
”I have a chemical imbalance that, in its most extreme state, will lead me to a mental hospital … I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on.”
When asked about being a “poster child” for bipolar disorder, she said:
“Well, I am hoping to get the centerfold in Psychology Today … Now, it seems every show I watch there’s always someone bipolar in it! It’s going through the vernacular like ‘May the force be with you’ did. But I define it, rather than it defining me.”
Fisher spoke about the stigma surrounding mental illness as well. She urged people to get help, but she also talked about being proud of living with this. It can be painful and scary, but you have to keep going.
Carrie paved the way for other celebrities to speak about their mental health issues.
.@carrieffisher inspired & led generations of women through her acting, writing, & mental health advocacy. Thank you. ❤️ #ripcarriefisher pic.twitter.com/2znY8HLRXz
— AmyPoehlerSmartGirls (@smrtgrls) December 27, 2016
Twitter users are talking about her as well:
https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/status/813807926716596225
Carrie Fisher dedicated her platform to mental health awareness & female empowerment. She is a reason + reminder to keep up your fight. RIP
— h (@halsey) December 27, 2016
I've always admired how open Carrie Fisher was about being bipolar and her struggles. A true inspiration to dames like me. pic.twitter.com/lHLLtcf6Gy
— Elizawitch Taylor (@angelicabastien) December 27, 2016
Those of us who suffer from bipolar disorder or similar diseases are often seen as dangerous or scary. The stigma still persists to this day.
Fisher used her platform to be a voice for other people who are suffering. She also talked about how she continued her treatment over the years.
Many people think of mental illness as being something you deal with once. There is no cure, you have to keep fighting for your stability. She showed us that you can gain control of your demons. You just have to be patient with yourself.
Carrie Fisher was an inspiration and will be missed.
Featured image via Twitter.
