• Gabrielle Anwar’s bipolar disorder first manifested with her first manic episode at age 11.
• She experienced intense mood swings and violent rages before finding effective treatment in her 40s.
• Anwar struggled with motherhood due to her disorder but has rebuilt relationships and found peace.
• Becoming a grandmother offers her a new, healing role sustained by proper medication.
• She advocates openly for mental health awareness, emphasizing that healing “doesn’t happen overnight”

Gabrielle Anwar, recognized for her role in “Burn Notice,” has shared the intimate details of her ongoing struggle with bipolar disorder, unveiling a deeply personal journey. She recounted that her first manic episode occurred when she was 11, coinciding with the start of menstruation. The resulting emotional instability led to her expulsion from school, signaling early on the disorder’s impact. Anwar described her emotional state as swinging between extremes—experiencing either sheer euphoria or utter devastation, with no balance. Acting became a refuge for her, a means to channel these intense emotions through her roles, which provided a sense of control amid chaos. Even with her professional achievements, such as the famous tango with Al Pacino in “Scent of a Woman,” Anwar confessed to feeling overwhelmed by her untreated mental health issues behind the scenes.

The Burn Notice Alum, 54, Described Manic and Depressive Episodes and ‘Violent Rages’

Anwar shared that her bipolar disorder was characterized by both manic highs and severe depressive lows. During the unmedicated years, she experienced “violent rages” that frightened her loved ones, including an instance when she struck her now-husband twice in the face early in their relationship. Yet, he remained by her side and loved her unconditionally. She discussed the challenges she faced in accepting medication, initially resisting pharmaceutical treatment due to her vegan and holistic lifestyle and a reluctance to let go of the intense feelings that mania provided. It wasn’t until her 40s that she discovered the right combination of medication, dosage, and brand, highlighting that “healing doesn’t happen overnight.” This experience highlights the complexities many face in managing bipolar disorder, especially when balancing natural inclinations with medical treatment.

Gabrielle Anwar Felt She Wasn’t Always Emotionally Available for Her Children

Motherhood, which Anwar described as her calling, was laden with challenges due to her mental health issues. She candidly admitted that she “wasn’t always good at it” and regretted not being emotionally available to her children. Her bipolar disorder created obstacles, making it challenging for her to provide the emotional support her children required. Regardless, she expressed a resolve to make amends and rebuild relationships, showing vulnerability and bravery in confronting her past mistakes. Her honest reflection offers hope to others wrestling with similar feelings of inadequacy and guilt while parenting and managing mental illness.

Now a Grandmother, Gabrielle Anwar Feels Like She Has a Second Chance

The actress expressed a new sense of peace and hope through her role as a grandmother, which she described as a “second chance.” Born in 2024, her granddaughter has given Anwar the opportunity to be the “loving, present force” she was unable to be for her children. This chapter in her life is marked by healing and presence, supported by her stabilized mental health thanks to the right medication. Anwar summarized her journey by saying, “I used to think I was broken. Now I know I’m whole… I’m not perfect, but I’m here, I’m healthy, and I’m doing the work. And that, to me, is the real happy ending.” This statement serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the ongoing process of healing.

Anwar shared her story in a personal essay published in Business Insider and has been candid in interviews and social media posts. Her openness extends to advocacy, focusing on breaking stigma around mental health and encouraging others to seek help. She has also spoken about her holistic approach combined with medical treatment and the importance of breaking generational trauma cycles. On platforms like Instagram, she continues to share encouragement and insights about living positively with bipolar disorder, underscoring that recovery is a process that requires patience and support.