Amanda Bynes isn’t ready to leave the mental health facility where she was taken after being found roaming naked through the streets of Los Angeles last month. As we previously reported, the former Nickelodeon star had stopped a car in downtown Los Angeles three weeks ago, telling the passenger she was coming down from a psychotic episode and needed help. Bynes was later put on a 5150 psychiatric hold, and while she has since been given the clearance to leave, the “She’s The Man” actress has chosen to continue staying at the facility.
Bynes, according to TMZ, made it known that she doesn’t feel ready to leave just yet, and it remains unclear when exactly she plans on returning back home. It’s good to see that the 37-year-old isn’t in a rush to go home as it indicates that she may not feel mentally strong enough to fend for herself just yet, with sources saying she has been remaining at the psychiatric ward on a “week by week” stay as doctors continue to evaluate her condition before she starts an outpatient program when she decides to leave.
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People closest to Bynes are already putting a plan in motion so that an incident like the one from last month won’t happen again. A 5150 psychiatric hold usually only last 72 hours, but considering Bynes’ circumstances at the time, hers was extended an additional week because she was “seriously focusing on getting better,” and she hasn’t left ever since. The “Amanda Show” child star has previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was living on the streets for days before she was taken to the facility last month.
In 2010, Amanda Bynes announced her retirement from acting, citing the desire to “focus on my personal life.” However, it soon became clear that her retirement was due to her struggles with mental health. In 2012, Bynes was arrested for driving under the influence and began exhibiting erratic behavior, including tweeting inappropriate messages and shaving her head.
Bynes’ behavior became increasingly concerning, and in 2013, she was placed on a psychiatric hold. Reports indicate that she was exhibiting signs of paranoia and delusions. During this time, the media was fixated on Bynes’ behavior, with many outlets treating it as a spectacle rather than a serious mental health issue.
After her release from the psychiatric hold, Bynes was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This diagnosis helped explain some of her erratic behavior, but it also highlighted the need for better mental health support for celebrities. Bynes herself has spoken out about the lack of resources available to her during her struggles.
The media played a significant role in Amanda Bynes’ struggles. Rather than treating her with compassion and understanding, many outlets were more interested in sensationalizing her behavior. This kind of coverage can be damaging to anyone, but it can be particularly harmful to those struggling with mental health issues.