Darren Day is currently starring in the musical Footloose, based on the 1980s film of the same name. The feel-good musical lies in stark contrast to some of the dark moments the actor has faced over the years. Day has been in the grip of addiction and mental health problems over the years, which culminated in a terrifying episode four years ago.
Darren said it was Robbie Williams who came to his rescue at the time and got him in touch with the same team that helped him out with his own mental health problems.
Recalling that dark chapter on ITV’s Lorraine, he said: “I was spiralling.”
On the way to a gig, Day “burst into tears on the motorway. I cried like a little body”, he revealed.
In a state of desperation, he called Williams who got him the help he needed through his team.
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It continues: “Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer).”
Bipolar disorder – how to treat it
Treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity and number of episodes of depression and mania to allow as normal a life as possible.
Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated using a combination of different treatments.
“The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counselling (psychotherapy) to control symptoms,” explains the Mayo Clinic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you’ll often need to start taking medications to balance your moods right away.
It requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better, notes the health body.
“People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.”
According to the NHS, medicines that prevents episodes of mania and depression are known as mood stabilisers, and you take them every day on a long-term basis.