Stephen Fry Opens Up on Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Stephen Fry recently appeared on ITV's The Assembly, an interview show featuring neurodivergent interviewers, where he openly discussed his mental health struggles. He reflected on a past suicide attempt, describing the experience as 'agonising' but stated he is now 'happy to be alive,' likening the extreme mental pain to a past physical injury that is no longer felt.

During the interview, Fry also addressed his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He explained to an interviewer seeking advice for a family member that bipolar disorder is a real illness, akin to unpredictable weather, and not a fault of the individual. He stressed that the moods will eventually change, just as rain gives way to sun.

Elsewhere in the conversation, Fry was humorously taken aback by direct questions about his sex life with his husband, Elliott Spencer. While he has been open about his sexuality since the 1980s and married Spencer in 2015, he chose to keep the intimate details private, playfully calling the questions 'eye-watering curiosity.'

Fry also shared his thoughts on longevity, expressing a desire not to live past 100, fearing the loneliness of outliving friends and family. He spoke about the importance of cheerfulness and understanding differences in relationships, referencing his marriage to Spencer and their age gap.

The interview highlighted Fry's candidness about his past struggles, his advice on mental health, and his personal life, demonstrating the unique and frank nature of The Assembly's interview format.