Amy

Sonia Sanchez 

Amy Winehouse and Her Bipolar Disorder

COLLAPSE

Bipolar disorder is a manic depressive illness that has no cure. It causes the brain to shift in moods and the ability to do normal things throughout a regular day.  Symptoms are unusual emotional mood swings, changes in energy and over excited.  Sometimes the symptoms could be both, over excited and depressed at the same time.  Suicidal thoughts are another symptom of bipolar disorder.  Since there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is controlled with medication.  There is different types of medications and mood stabilizers that help the disorder.  Additionally, there is sleep medications and herbal treatments that could help.  In the case with Amy Winehouse, the disorder and drug abuse effected each other, it made her disorder worse. It became a deep and dark circle she couldn’t come out of and the result could be death.  Amy was born on September 14, 1983 in London, Southgate area of Enfield.  Her father, Mitchell Winehouse, was a taxi driver; her mother, Janis Winehouse, was a pharmacist.  She started music at the age of 10 and theatre school at the age of 12.  At the age of 16 she turned rebellious and was expelled from school, however, she started her professional career.  Her 2006 album “Back on Black” was a hit.  During the years she suffered from deep depressions and a painful relationship that led her to drugs and alcohol.  If both the bipolar disorder and substance abuse are not treated, the person will not be able to recover. Great quote from Winehouse, “I do drink a lot, I think it’s symptomatic of my depression, I’m a Manic Depressive, I’m not an alcoholic.” Manic Depressive is the older term for Bipolar Disorder.  She proved even though, you are bipolar you can still be talented and unique.

Amy’s ex-husband was the love of her life and was a big part of her drug abuse.  In The Guardian, Press Association talks about Amy’s ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, appearing on Jeremy Kyle Show to discuss his relationship with Amy.  He told of his regret at introducing Amy to hard drugs, such as, heroin and crack.  However, did not want to take full responsibility.  He said he used heroin three to four times before Amy did.  Blake’s admission, “I was smoking it on foil and she said can I try some and I said… I might have put a weak resistance - the fact is whatever I said she was did end up having some.” They used heroin together as addicts for like four months.  He felt bad for the damage he caused her family.  Amy’s father Mitch told Blake if he really loved Amy he should divorce her.  When Blake went to jail, Amy’s addiction had gotten worse.  She loved this man and could not cope being without him.  Blake and Amy both decided it was in their best interest if they divorced and eventually one day they would get back together.  Blake was in prison when he heard she passed away.