Regarding Bipolar Disorder: The name of Buzz Aldrin appears on one list after another of celebrities with bipolar disorder. However, in reviewing actual interviews and biographies on the topic of his struggles with mental illness, Buzz only specifically addresses depression and alcoholism.
Dr. Robert Epstein interviewed Buzz Aldrin for an article in Psychology Today. During this discussion, Buzz told Dr. Epstein that “What I felt was depression. There were also family situations developing at that time. My life was moving in one direction, and my family was going in the other. That eventually led to a divorce and the split up of the family. But there was another trait that had been hidden. Everyone was drinking, and I was too.”
In an article entitled “Three Voyagers to the Moon: Life After Making History on TV” for the July 17, 1994, edition of the New York Times, John Noble Wilford addressed Buzz Aldrin’s emotional difficulties that developed after his historic space flights. Wilford wrote, “Mr. Aldrin’s problems began almost immediately as he struggled to adjust to life in the limelight. This made him increasingly uncomfortable, which led to erratic behavior and eventually depression and alcoholism … In any event, he was hospitalized for severe depression” (p. 21).
Of significant note is the fact that Aldrin is a true hero, a fantastic example of perseverance and achievement. “Buzz Aldrin accomplished an even bigger feat than walking on the moon - overcoming alcoholism and depression” (Epstein, 2001). Of this success Aldrin states, “Recovery was not easy. Perhaps the most challenging turnaround was accepting the need for assistance and help. Looking back at it now--with over 22 years of sobriety--this was probably one of my greatest challenges. But it has also been one of the most satisfying because it has given me a sense of comfort and ease with where I am now” (Epstein, 2001).
Updated: January 4, 2005
Aldrin is not the only one I know who worked on the Apollo program or knows some who worked on the Apollo program. There are hundreds of thousands of us. I could have worked on it myself, but already had a more challenging job in the general space program.