Michael Douglas: Catherine Zeta-Jones "Relieved" After Treatment
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have had a rough year, but things are finally looking up for the New York-based couple.
After all, just months after Douglas, 66, beat stage 4 throat cancer, his wife announced she was seeking treatment for bipolar II disorder in April.
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"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check into a mental health facility for a brief stay," her rep told Us Weekly in a statement. "She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films."
During a Tuesday interview with Oprah Winfrey, Douglas said that his health problems were "very hard" on his wife. Adding to Zeta-Jones' woes, "My son is in federal prison, my ex-wife is suing me. . .it's kind of hard for the wife to say that she's depressed."
During his own treatment, Douglas said he didn't want "a lot of fuss and attention," and Zeta-Jones, 41, reacted similarly. "She's Welsh," he explained. "The Welsh, it's all stiff upper lip and not letting your feelings show."
Now that he's cancer free, Douglas says his wife, whom he wed in 2000, has finally been able to "relax."
"She's great. She's shooting a movie down in Louisiana, and I think she's relieved she has a better understanding [of bipolar II]," he told the talk show host, 57.
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(In addition to filming Playing the Field with Dennis Quaid and Uma Thurman, Zeta-Jones recently signed on to appear in the big screen adaptation of Rock of Ages.)
With the worst now behind them, Douglas told Winfrey he's gained a new lease on life. "I know that I'm much, much closer to my friends and family," he said while tearing up. "I have a much deeper appreciation of my family and friends."
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10I am glad that things are looking up for them. I hope that things continue on. Cancer can do so much damage and getting over it even if it is in remission can be mentally and physically exhausting. I still can't believe that his ex wife after being divorced for 10 years and getting at least 45 million in their divorce settlement. You have to wonder at the greed of some people. Here he is fighting cancer and she is suing him for a movie he made 10 years or so after their divorce. It has got to be hard on both of them going through all that.
I also suffer from bipolar, formerly called "manic depression", and wasn't diagnosed until after I turned 40. For people who don't understand this condition, it's frightening at times to not understand what is going on with your own mind and/or body. I have said things in a manic state that would just never come out of my mouth....and just not understand WHY!?!?!?! It IS a very over used diagnosis though. But this is because it is so difficult to diagnose. It's not like you can run a blood test, or take an x-ray and see what's going on. There have been times that I have thought I was truly going to lose my mind...no kidding meant. It was a relief to know that what was happening wasn't my fault, that it WAS out of my control, and once diagnosed, it is so easy to learn to live with if you have support. Catherine, I have you in my prayers...and God Bless you to have such a loving husband to support you. Michael, I am truly happy to see that you are winning your fight with cancer. Another battle that is much easier to fight when you have love and support in your friends and family. God has blessed you both with a wonderful love. You will both remain in my prayers. God bless...
No offense, but how can you declare you've beaten stage IV cancer after a few months?
Michael and Catherine we love you both and wish you a long and happy life from this moment on. If I can ever ever be of service just let me know, I will take a bullet for you.
I am very relieved to hear that you have beat your cancer Michael!! Now you can be a comfort to Catherine. As long as she stays on her medications she will do great! God bless you and your family.
I am so glad to note that Michael Douglas and Zeta-Jones are now in state of good health...Thanks be to GOD. May I just say that FAITH in GOD can move mountains. Just have FAITH in Him through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR. HE IS our Healer...HE never fails. Just keep asking, seeking, knocking Matthew 7:7-12 GOD bless!!
Has anyone heard if he had just throat cancer or Thyroid Cancer? I have Stage IV Thyroid Cancer, was diagnosed 3 years ago at age 50. I haven't beaten mine yet, but God is sure fighting it with me. With HIS help, i'll be here for a good while to come. Sorry to hear about Zeta-Jones' depression...I know how hard it is to have depression issues and also have a family member sick too. God bless them both!!
Good point Jim...I hope so.
So happy to hear about your battle with stage 4 cancer. You have given our family so much hope. Our Mother is dealing with stage 4 cancer as well. Her fight has just begun. Love and prayers to you and Catherine. So happy to hear Catherine has the help that she needs for her condition.I love ya both. Terry from Louisiana Also I am glad Catherine is coming to New Orleans for her movie, I am from New Orleans.
I wonder if he now has a much deeper appreciation of the God who spared his life..