Catherine Zeta-Jones On Bipolar: Michael Douglas' Cancer Triggered; Had To Make Private Space In Home To Manage Disorder After Leaving Treatment [VIDEO]

Catherine Zeta-Jones has opened up about her bipolar disorder.

Zeta-Jones says the bipolar II worsened after her husband Michael Douglas was diagnosed with cancer in 2010.

Zeta-Jones decided to seek treatment by going to a facility in May for help with her bipolar disorder.

"Bipolar is something I have been dealing with for a long time," she said.

At the time the Welsh actress entered treatment, she released a statement saying: "Catherine has proactively checked into a healthcare facility. Previously Catherine has said that she is committed to periodic care in order to manage her health in an optimum manner."

It wasn't the 43-year-old's first visit to treatment-in 2011, she had another five-day stay to manage her bipolar.

Douglas' cancer was incredibly stressful for Catherine Zeta-Jones, she said. She admitted that she was "sideswiped", stressed out, and not sleeping. Thus, the incident triggered her bipolar disorder, she explained.

"When Michael was diagnosed with cancer I really thought, 'You are going to have to wipe me off the floor,'" she said. "When you get sideswiped like that [by Douglas' cancer] it's an obvious trigger for your balance to be a little bit off, not sleeping, worry, stress. It's a classic trigger."

Retrospectively, she wishes she was stronger. "I wasn't as strong as I thought I could have been. I look back and I can't believe the strength he had."

Now, however, she has realized that she needs alone time, too. Taking private time can help her be a better wife, she said. Zeta-Jones made a place in her house so that she could be alone.

We spend a hell of a lot of time together, so we are careful to maintain our space. "We recently had an extension built, to house a closet. It's like the Tardis - I go in there and never come out."

Catherine Zeta-Jones doesn't always speak on her biplar disorder, but she wants others to get help if they need it.

"This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently an there is no shame in seeking help," Zeta Jones said.