Ruby Wax is currently appearing at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London in her show “Losing It”. “At some point in our lives 1 in 4 of us will be affected by mental illness… bring 3 friends!” invites her publicity material.
Wax originally came up with the show, based on her bipolar disorder, for patients at The Priory where she has been an inpatient a number of times. She was diagnosed with bipolar whilst pregnant with her youngest child. Previously described as manic depression, Wax could acknowledge the manic side to her. She remained, however, in denial about the depression – how could someone as fortunate as her suffer from something as self-indulgent as depression? For Wax, the diagnosis of bipolar came as a relief – it was not her fault.
Wax has since trained as a psychotherapist. She is excited by recent developments in the field of neuroscience and their potential for helping those suffering from mental illness. Indeed, at the recent 2 day conference in London led by Dr Dan Siegel, which Wax attended, Dr Siegel specifically mentioned current research into the effectiveness of using mindsight/mindfulness techniques to treat those suffering from bipolar disorder.
The show has been described by Harry Enfield as incredibly brave and heartbreakingly funny. It also features music by Judith Owen, herself a sufferer of depression. Tickets are available from www.menierchocolatefactory.com
More information is available for sufferers of bipolar disorder and their families from the Royal College of Psychiatrists at www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/problems/bipolardisorder/bipolardisorder.aspx and from mental health charity Mind at www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnoses_and_conditions/bipolar_disorder_manic_depression
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