Vanessa Ray, the star of the popular crime drama Blue Bloods, has revealed that she has bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that causes mood swings, ranging from highs (mania) to lows (depression).
How She Discovered Her Diagnosis
Vanessa told People magazine that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 22 years old, after experiencing a manic episode that landed her in the hospital. She said that she had been struggling with depression and anxiety for years, but she did not know what was wrong with her.
“I felt like I was living in a fog. I had no energy, no motivation, no joy. I was constantly sad and hopeless. I also had periods of extreme irritability, anger, and impulsivity. I would do things that I would later regret, like spending too much money, drinking too much, or getting into fights,” she said.
She said that her manic episode was triggered by a stressful situation in her personal life, which she did not disclose. She said that she felt a sudden surge of energy, euphoria, and grandiosity, which made her act recklessly and dangerously.
“I thought I was invincible. I thought I could do anything. I was talking fast, jumping from one idea to another, making unrealistic plans. I was also paranoid, delusional, and hallucinating. I thought people were out to get me, that I had special powers, that I was a prophet. I was completely out of touch with reality,” she said.
She said that her family and friends were worried about her and tried to help her, but she refused to listen. She said that she ended up in the hospital after a police intervention, where she was sedated and evaluated by a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with bipolar disorder.
How She Manages Her Condition
Vanessa said that she was initially in denial and angry about her diagnosis, but she eventually accepted it and decided to seek treatment. She said that she has been taking medication, attending therapy, and practicing self-care to manage her condition.
She said that her medication helps her stabilize her mood and prevent extreme episodes, but it also has some side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue, and dry mouth. She said that she has to monitor her dosage and adjust it according to her symptoms and circumstances.
She said that her therapy helps her cope with her emotions and thoughts, and address the underlying issues that contribute to her condition. She said that she has learned to recognize her triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or substance abuse, and avoid them as much as possible.
She said that her self-care helps her maintain her well-being and happiness, and includes activities such as exercise, meditation, yoga, reading, writing, and spending time with her loved ones. She said that she also tries to be honest and open about her condition, and seek support when she needs it.
How It Affects Her Life And Career
Vanessa said that her bipolar disorder has affected her life and career in both positive and negative ways. She said that on one hand, it has given her a deeper understanding of herself and others, and a greater appreciation of life. She said that it has also enhanced her creativity and empathy, which are essential for her acting.
She said that on the other hand, it has also caused her a lot of pain and suffering, and challenged her relationships and opportunities. She said that she has faced stigma and discrimination because of her condition, and that she has lost some friends and jobs because of it.
She said that she is grateful for her role on Blue Bloods, where she plays Eddie Janko, a police officer and the wife of Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), the son of the police commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). She said that the show has been supportive and accommodating of her condition, and that she enjoys working with her cast and crew.
She said that she hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire and help others who are going through similar situations, and raise awareness and compassion for mental health issues. She said that she wants people to know that bipolar disorder is not a weakness or a flaw, but a part of who she is.
“I am not ashamed of my bipolar disorder. I am proud of who I am. I am not defined by my condition, but by my character. I am a strong, brave, and resilient woman. I am a loving daughter, sister, friend, and wife. I am a talented, passionate, and successful actress. I am Vanessa Ray, and I have bipolar disorder,” she said.
