The Son of Late Reality Star Jade Goody Disclosed That He Attempted Suicide During a Manic Episode — Highlighting a Risk That’s Often Overshadowed by Depression in Bipolar Disorder

Freddy Brazier was 18 years old, in the grip of a manic episode, when he crashed his car in an attempt to end his life. He spent his 18th birthday in a psychiatric ward.

Now 21, the son of late British reality TV star Jade Goody and presenter Jeff Brazier has spoken publicly about the crisis for the first time, sharing his story in a social media post that documented years of instability, hospitalization, and recovery.

“Two and a half years ago, after crashing a car in a manic episode in an attempt to end it all,” a voiceover in Brazier’s video states, as reported by the Evening Standard. The post also described disordered eating, heavy cannabis use, and being sectioned under mental health law in 2023.

“His disclosure matters because it challenges a common misconception: that manic episode suicide risk is low.”

His disclosure matters because it challenges a common misconception: that manic episode suicide risk is low. In clinical conversations about bipolar disorder, suicide risk is usually associated with depressive episodes. But research tells a more complicated story.

What the Research Shows

A review published in Medicina found that individuals with bipolar disorder face a 20- to 30-fold increase in suicide risk compared to the general population, and that 20 to 60 percent attempt suicide at least once. While depressive episodes carry the highest statistical risk, manic and mixed episodes are far from safe. Agitation, impulsivity, psychosis, and reckless behavior during mania can all contribute to suicidal acts — sometimes without the sustained ideation that typically precedes an attempt during depression.

Why This Gets Missed

During a manic episode, the person may appear energized, even euphoric. Family members and clinicians may focus on managing the visible symptoms without recognizing that suicidal crisis can coexist with manic energy. This is especially true when irritability, agitation, or psychotic features are present.

Brazier’s story underscores this. He was in a manic state when he attempted to end his life — not a depressive one. For clinicians and families, that distinction matters. It means that safety planning, crisis intervention, and close monitoring should not be reserved only for depressive episodes.

A note from Liam Ronan: This is the hardest topic I cover on this blog. I write it because it matters. If you or someone you love is in a manic episode, do not assume they are safe just because they seem high-energy or “up.” Ask the hard questions. Check in. And if you are in crisis yourself, please reach out.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Sources: Evening Standard | Medicina | Medicina Clínica

See recent or related posts:
• Signs and Symptoms of Mania
• Why Irritability May Be Your First Signal That Mania Is Coming
• How to Build a Mania Action Plan Before You Need One
• Is Your Loved One Manic? Here’s Exactly What to Do
• Resources I Wish I’d Known About Before My First Manic Episode