David Feherty

• Feherty has said that beginning therapy and receiving a bipolar diagnosis was a “revelation,” because it helped explain experiences he had struggled to understand. [9]
• He has since spoken openly about having bipolar I disorder in interviews, public appearances and his stage show. [3]

• Feherty has described his moods as capable of shifting abruptly. During one stage appearance, he said that earlier that day he had suddenly begun crying and, about 15 minutes later, found himself laughing. He has also described persistent difficulty sleeping, sometimes getting only a few hours of sleep a night or none at all. [3]
• During periods when he was severely unwell, Feherty described withdrawing socially, struggling to get out of bed, experiencing intense physical pain and having disturbing hallucinations. [10]
• In later interviews, he said sadness remained a recurring part of his life even when treatment was helping him manage bipolar disorder. [8]

• Feherty has described psychiatric medication as an important part of managing bipolar disorder and depression. In 2013, he said his daily regimen included antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other psychiatric medications. [4]
• He has also spoken strongly about continuing prescribed treatment. Drawing on his own experience, Feherty has warned against abruptly stopping psychiatric medication, saying deterioration can happen very quickly. [11]
• Feherty has also spoken openly about addiction alongside his experiences with bipolar disorder and depression. He has described longstanding alcohol and drug addiction and has credited other golfers, particularly Tom Watson, with helping him enter recovery. [5]

• Feherty has described bipolar disorder and depression as conditions he continues to manage rather than problems he has overcome permanently. He has said that medication helps control his symptoms, but that sadness remains a recurring part of his daily life. [8]
• Feherty has described addiction as an ongoing struggle and has relied on support from people close to him during difficult periods. Despite continuing periods of depression, Feherty has said that he loves his life and has continued working while managing the illness. [6]

• Feherty has used interviews, public appearances and his stage work to speak openly about bipolar disorder, depression, addiction and sobriety. He has described doing so partly because he believes people benefit from hearing serious mental-health problems discussed plainly rather than treated as shameful or hidden. [7]
• He has also been outspoken about the importance of staying in treatment. Drawing on his own experience, Feherty has warned against abruptly stopping psychiatric medication, saying deterioration can happen very quickly. [11]

“The thought of my honesty perhaps being of help to somebody else is therapeutic to me.”

— David Feherty [7]