For months, Catherine Zeta-Jones played the part of the devoted wife as her husband, actor Michael Douglas, sought treatment for throat cancer. Now, it seems all wasn't well in her world. 
 
 Today, Zeta-Jones' publicist revealed that the actress recently sought treatment for bipolar disorder. 
 
 "After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II Disorder," her publicist said in a statement. "She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week this week on her two upcoming films." 
 
 Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. The disorder is most known for the unusual shifts in mood and energy that those with it experience. Sufferers can go through what is known as a manic episode -- an overly excited or joyful state -- or a depressive episode -- a state of unusual sadness or hopelessness. 
 
 Bipolar II disorder is not as severe as bipolar I. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while those with bipolar I typically experience mania and intense mood episodes that can last at least seven days and may require hospitalization, bipolar II usually results in less intense depressive episodes. 
 
 While bipolar disorder often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years, it has been known to develop later on in life as well. 
 
 Zeta-Jones, 41, was outspoken about her anger after Douglas, 66, was diagnosed with throat cancer in August 2010. 
 
 "It makes me furious they didn't detect it earlier," Zeta-Jones told People magazine. "He sought every option and nothing was found." 
 
 Douglas' cancer wasn't the only stress in the couple's life. Last year, Douglas' ex-wife took him to court seeking a some of his profits from his "Wall Street" sequel, which was released in 2010 but was based on the iconic film that he made while they were married, which she said entitled her to a share. 
 
 Zeta-Jones reportedly turned down roles to be by Douglas' side through his legal and physical battles. In January, Douglas noted that his cancer fight drew him and Zeta-Jones closer. 
 
 "One thing that all cancer survivors talk about is a new depth of feeling that you have for loved ones," he said while receiving an award at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Zeta-Jones was at the festival with him. 
 
 "It's made us even closer," he added, "and certainly there's a depth of emotion and an appreciation of your daily life that you didn't have before." 
 
 Zeta-Jones and Douglas married in 2000. They have two children together, Dylan Michael Douglas and Carys Zeta Douglas. 
 
 ABC News' Dan Childs contributed reporting. ||||| Catherine Zeta-Jones Checks Into Mental Health Facility 
 
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 "After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II Disorder," her rep confirms. 
 
 
 
 In addition to her duties as an actress and mother, Zeta-Jones has dealt with more than enough stress in the past few years to merit some much-needed time off and TLC. With husband Michael Douglas on the mend after completing treatment for throat cancer, Catherine Zeta-Jones has found herself in need of some expert care. Gossip Cop reports that the actress has checked herself into a mental health facility."After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II Disorder," her rep confirms.In addition to her duties as an actress and mother, Zeta-Jones has dealt with more than enough stress in the past few years to merit some much-needed time off and TLC. 
 
 In 2010, Zeta-Jones' stepson, Cameron Douglas, was sentenced to five years in prison for drug-related charges, and only four months later, her actor husband was diagnosed with cancer. In between the devastating events, Michael Douglas was also sued by his ex-wife, Diandra, who claimed she was entitled to 50 percent of the profits from his film 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.'Sources report , "Catherine had a lot of trouble coping [with Douglas' cancer]. She was chain smoking and drinking," although her rep has not confirmed that her stay was related to substance abuse.It does seem the actress is on the mend, however. Her rep says, "She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films."
– Catherine Zeta-Jones has revealed she has undergone treatment in a mental health clinic for her bipolar illness. "After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II disorder," said her publicist. The disorder, also known as manic depression, is marked by dramatic shifts in moods. Bipolar II is not as severe as Bipolar I. Zeta-Jones has been under particular stress this year because of husband Michael Douglas' battle with throat cancer, and a tough court struggle with his ex-wife over profits from his film Wall Street 2, notes ABC News. Click for more on Zeta-Jones.