About
Lives behind
the diagnosis.
The Bipolar Biography Project documents the lives and experiences of people from all walks of life who have publicly disclosed a bipolar diagnosis or whose diagnosis is reliably documented in the historical record.
Explore the collection
“More than
a diagnosis —
a wider view
of what’s possible.”
Context
Perspective
Hope
- people
- 166
- professions
- 67
- continents
- 5
Why this project exists
People are more
than their diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder is often reduced to labels, stereotypes or single stories. This project brings together real lives — showing the breadth of human experience, the many paths to treatment and recovery, and the contributions people make in their workplaces, communities and around the world.
Real people
Based on first-person disclosures or reliable historical sources.
Diverse perspectives
Across many fields and backgrounds, not just celebrities.
A more informed world
To reduce stigma and increase understanding through accurate, human stories.
A broader picture
Different lives.
A wider conversation.
The collection includes artists, scientists, athletes, writers, doctors, entrepreneurs, public servants and many others. Each profile provides a concise, source-based account of a person's career and publicly documented experiences with bipolar disorder, including diagnosis, episodes, treatment, recovery and advocacy where that information is available. References allow readers to explore the sources in greater depth.
Selena Gomez
Singer · Actor · Producer
Lynn Rivers
Politician · Lawyer · Advocate
Nina Simone
Singer · Pianist · Activist
Kay Redfield Jamison
Psychologist · Professor · Author
David Chang
Chef · Restaurateur
AJ Mendez
Wrestler · Author
Our approach
Accuracy. Respect. Context.
- 1
We use public sources
Profiles are based on interviews, books, articles, documentaries and other accessible, reliable sources.
- 2
We cite our sources
Key information is supported with citations, so you can see where each detail comes from.
- 3
We keep it human
We avoid speculation, respect privacy, and focus on the person’s own words and lived experience.
Important to keep in mind
These are individual stories, not templates for recovery.
The project is educational and does not provide medical advice or recommend treatments. Recovery is not defined by fame, wealth, continuous employment or the absence of symptoms.
These biographies illustrate possibilities, not expectations. Everyone's experience of bipolar disorder is different, and a meaningful life does not require extraordinary professional achievement.
A note from the creator
From lived experience
The Bipolar Biography Project was created by Justin S., a software developer by training, who lives with bipolar disorder and has experienced mania, psychosis, depression and psychiatric hospitalization firsthand.
His experiences led him to want to show a broader picture of what bipolar disorder can look like—one that goes beyond symptoms and crisis to include work, recovery, advocacy, setbacks and the many different ways people build meaningful lives.
Justin created this project to help people navigating a bipolar diagnosis feel less alone, learn from the experiences of others, and see that there is no single story of bipolar disorder.
Help improve the project
Know someone we should include?
We’re always looking to expand the collection. You can suggest a person, share a correction or get in touch.