The King and Princess of Pop: shared traits of two performers

Mental illness

Britney's meltdowns were given live coverage. The footage were she's strapped to a gurney was taken by 70 paparazzi and a helicopter. When the combination of meds she was on became public knowledge it was speculated she suffered from bipolar disease. People working next to her report extreme mood swings. She most likely suffered from untreated postpartum depression. She was hospitalized mainly because she was a danger to herself and others. She committed violence against herself and her image by shaving her hair. She famously attacked a reporter's car with an umbrella. She was unable to sleep for periods exceeding 72 hours, but inexplicably was sent home after a mere 24 hour stay at a hospital.

Michael's deteriorating mental health was caused by a large number of reasons, beginning with the physical and verbal abuse at home, his suffering from lupus which can trigger anxiety and depression, and the emotional impact the child molestation allegations caused in him. He has been diagnosed as someone suffering from depression, insomnia, body dysmorphic disorder (most apparent in the numerous plastic surgeries he had, though some claim the changes in his appearance are due to makeup, lights and angles), anorexia (a picky eater from childhood on and latter working to achieve a dancer's body) and narcissistic personality disorder, evident for example in Neverland's grandiosity and in the paintings he commissioned of himself being crowned as King.

Michael didn't  benefit from professional mental health specialists care. Britney was sent to mandatory sessions with a psychologist as instructed by a judge. Michael and Britney  underwent stays in rehab programs, though neither attended willingly. Britney checked herself out, waving all medical advise. Michael sought help in friends, religion and meditation. Britney was put under her father's conservatorship. She found an outlet to stress in yoga and emphasized finding the right instructor as key to the practice working out. She has also pointed  that workouts improve her mental wellbeing. Lately she has turned to 20 minute meditations and credits them for helping her deal with her anxiety and maintaining her target weight.