On March 26, 2025, Nicolas Demorand, a prominent presenter of the morning show on France Inter, made a significant revelation about his mental health during a live broadcast, stating, "Yes, I am a mental patient: it’s raw, it’s violent to say and surely to hear, but I no longer want to hide it or hide myself." This candid admission marks a pivotal moment not only for Demorand himself but also for the broader conversation about mental health in France.
The 53-year-old journalist disclosed that he has been living with bipolar disorder, specifically bipolar type 2, which is characterized by alternating periods of euphoria and depression. "Like hundreds of thousands of French people, I am bipolar. I alternate between phases of euphoria and periods of depression, but I am being treated," he explained. His announcement comes just a day before the release of his autobiographical book, Intérieur nuit, which is set to hit the shelves on March 27, 2025, published by Les Arènes.
Demorand has been aware of his condition for eight years, although he revealed that he has been bipolar for 30 years. He expressed that he had kept this part of his life private due to the stigma surrounding mental illness. "If I have remained silent for so long, it’s because mental illness is frightening. It remains a shameful illness, and yes, I was ashamed," he confessed. His decision to speak out aims to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues and to encourage others who may be suffering in silence.
In France, the prevalence of bipolar disorder is estimated to affect between 1% and 2.5% of the population, a figure that health authorities believe is likely underreported. According to the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), this condition, once referred to as manic-depressive illness, is not only misunderstood but also often stigmatized. Demorand’s revelation is part of a growing trend where public figures are increasingly opening up about their mental health struggles, contributing to a gradual shift in societal attitudes.
Demorand’s announcement comes at a time when mental health discussions are becoming more prominent in France, particularly following a special day dedicated to mental health awareness organized by France Inter last September. During that event, he admitted to not fully disclosing his own struggles, saying, "I did not dare to share what I was burning to tell you: I too have been affected for years by one of these illnesses on which our guests were speaking."
His forthcoming book, Intérieur nuit, will delve deeper into his personal experiences with bipolar disorder, including his time spent in psychiatric facilities and how he communicated his condition to the management at Radio France. With an initial print run of 100,000 copies, the book aims to resonate with many who are navigating similar challenges.
Despite the estimated 1.3 million people living with bipolar disorder in France, public discourse around the condition remains limited. In contrast, celebrities in the United States, such as Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, have openly discussed their mental health issues, helping to normalize and destigmatize these conversations. Demorand's willingness to share his story could inspire others in France to seek help and speak out about their own struggles.
Notably, Demorand is not alone in his fight against mental illness; other public figures, including American artists Kanye West and Mariah Carey, as well as British actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, have also shared their experiences with bipolar disorder. Their openness has contributed to a broader understanding of mental health, encouraging individuals to seek treatment without fear of judgment.
In his heartfelt address, Demorand emphasized the importance of living and working with a mental illness, stating, "I am here every morning, striving towards a goal, which is to work with the entire team to inform, entertain, and evoke emotions in you. And if I have remained silent for so long, it is because mental illness is frightening." He expressed a desire to transform his condition into a cause, advocating for those who suffer in silence.
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve in France, Demorand's revelation serves as a powerful reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona. By sharing his journey, he hopes to encourage others to break the silence and seek help, reinforcing the idea that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life while managing a mental health condition.
As we await the release of Intérieur nuit, it is clear that Demorand's story will resonate with many, shining a light on the realities of living with bipolar disorder and the importance of support and understanding in the fight against mental illness.
