Catherine Zeta-Jones Speaks Out On Bipolar Disorder

In Catherine Zeta-Jones' first words since checking out of a mental health facility earlier this month, the actress opens up about her public struggle with bipolar II disorder in the newest issue of People.

Earlier this month, Catherine checked into the Silver Hill Hospital, a mental health facility in New Canaan, Connecticut and spent five days there. During her stay, she was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, a mental illness marked by prolonged periods of depression and mania.

In regards to going public about her illness, Catherine tells People, "This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help."

Speaking about his wife's decision to get help, Michael Douglas says, "It takes a lot of courage to seek help, and I am very proud of Catherine for doing something positive about her situation."

In the past year, the couple has face a number of challenges, including Michael's cancer fight, his son Cameron being given a five-year prison sentence, his ex-wife suing him, and now with Catherine's mental health struggles, but Douglas says that now, "It's onwards and upwards for us both."

In a sign that Catherine is getting back to normal, she is back at work on her first film in two years, co-starring with Gerard Butler in a film called 'Playing The Field.'