Selena Gomez has spoken for the first time about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Over the weekend, Selena took part in a live-stream with fellow Disney alumna Miley Cyrus, during which the conversation turned to mental health, and how they’re each coping with social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
In response, the Look At Her Now singer revealed that she’d recently found out that she had bipolar after speaking to medical professionals at a facility in Boston, Massachusetts.
“I went to one of the best mental hospitals in America, McClean Hospital, and I discussed that after years of going through a lot of different things, I realised that I was bipolar,” she explained.
“I was equal parts terrified and relieved – terrified because the veil was lifted but relieved that I finally had the knowledge of why I had suffered with various depressions and anxieties for so many years.”
Selena continued: “I never had full awareness or answers about this condition. When I have more information, it actually helps me, it doesn’t scare me once I know it.”
In the past, the 27-year-old has spoken out about her past battles with anxiety and depression, but admitted during the live-stream with Miley that it wasn’t a topic she always found easy to discuss.
She said: “I’m from Texas, it’s just not known to talk about mental health. You’ve got to seem cool.
“And then I see anger built up in children and teenagers or young adults because they are wanting that so badly. I just feel like when I finally said what I was going to say, I wanted to know everything about it. And it took the fear away.”
Bipolar disorder – previously referred to as manic depression – affects around one in 100 people.
As described by the NHS, the condition “affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another”, including episodes of depression and mania.
In the past, stars including Kanye West and Mariah Carey have also spoken about their own experiences with bipolar.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.