Selena Gomez reflects on her mental health journey, revealing she was misdiagnosed before receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and understanding.
Selena Gomez has been candid about her mental health journey, particularly after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020. The actress and singer shared her diagnosis during an Instagram Live session with fellow Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus, describing the moment as a relief, albeit one that came after a challenging path.
In a recent episode of the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, Gomez, who co-founded the mental health publication Wondermind, opened up about her experiences leading to her diagnosis. She explained that she had visited four different rehabilitation centers before finding clarity regarding her mental health.
During the podcast, fellow musician Benny Blanco, who is also her husband, asked Gomez whether she had suspected she was bipolar prior to her official diagnosis. Gomez responded, “I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed. I think people were just assuming – and I would try multiple therapists.” She acknowledged the complexity of discussing mental health and the challenges of finding the right support.
Gomez emphasized the importance of persistence in seeking help, noting that her journey involved consultations with “multiple different people.” She expressed gratitude for her experiences in rehab, stating, “I’m so grateful I went to four different rehabs because it all helped me understand it.”
Blanco also shared insights about Gomez’s experiences with manic episodes, revealing that she sometimes recognizes these episodes only after they have occurred. He explained, “It’s such a delicate thing because … you’re not supposed to, technically, talk to the person about it while they’re deep in it.” However, he noted that Gomez has become “so hyper aware” of her manic states.
Gomez herself acknowledged her moments of mania, saying, “I’m equally proud to say that I do have moments of mania. I’m not ashamed at all, because I can catch them a bit quicker.” She highlighted the importance of having a supportive partner who understands her condition and can meet her where she is emotionally.
Since her diagnosis, Gomez has expressed a newfound sense of freedom in her life. She criticized the stigma surrounding therapy, stating, “The whole hypocrisy of shaming people for therapy, or people not understanding it, is that it’s just not for you.” She reflected on how her diagnosis helped her understand her past behaviors, saying, “Oh, that’s why I handled things the way I did. That’s why all the other people were able to get over things quickly, and I wasn’t.”
Gomez described her previous reactions as inconsistent, stating, “I’d act out of fear, I’d act out of love, I’d act out of passion, it was all inconsistent. It was crazy.” She encouraged others facing similar challenges to remember that they are not defined by their diagnosis, saying, “It’s just informative to seek and talk and listen to podcasts or listen to certain things that will help you get information. I do believe there is a lot of hope.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 2.8% of adults in the U.S. have experienced bipolar disorder in the past year, while 4.4% will experience it at some point in their lives. Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by significant mood swings that can affect daily functioning.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on the type, with episodes of mania or hypomania marked by elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. The Mayo Clinic advises anyone experiencing symptoms to seek professional help.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, lab tests, and mental health assessments, including mood tracking. Following a diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic recommends monitoring warning signs to prevent episodes and emphasizes the importance of proper sleep, medication adherence, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Gomez’s openness about her mental health journey serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and understanding the complexities of mental health conditions.
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