Selena Gomez Reveals Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis on Instagram Live

Actress and singer Selena Gomez has never shied away from talking about the importance of mental health, sharing her own struggles with anxiety and depression in the past. On Friday, the “Rare” singer revealed a new mental health diagnosis — bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by periods of mania and depression that affect mood, energy and activity levels.

• What is Bipolar disorder ?

On Miley Cyrus’ social distancing Instagram live series, “Bright Minded: Live,” Gomez said:

Recently, I went to one of the best mental hospitals… McLean Hospital and I discussed that, after years of going through a lot of different things, I realized that I was bipolar.

Though she didn’t specify if she had bipolar type I or II, she said learning as much as she could about her condition has helped her cope.

“When I was younger, I was scared of thunderstorms and my mom bought me all these books on thunderstorms… She was like, ‘The more you educate yourself on this, the more that you’re not going to be afraid,’” Gomez said. “It completely worked. That’s something that helps me big time.”

Gomez isn’t the only celebrity to open up about living bipolar disorder. Stars like Demi Lovato, Bebe Rexha and Halsey have also been open about their experiences with the mental illness.

Revealing a new mental health diagnosis can be a difficult thing to do. As Mighty contributor Rachel Gearinger explained in her piece, “To Anyone Considering ‘Coming Out’ About Their Mental Illness“:

‘Coming out’ about a mental health condition comes with its own difficulties. Telling someone you have a mental illness can be nerve-wracking and painful, even if you’re telling someone you trust and not screaming it to the entire world. Whether it’s telling one person, a crowd or the internet, it’s still hard.

Fans have taken to Twitter to express their support for Gomez and thank her for her vulnerability in sharing:

selena has been through so much, she is bipolar, has been battling with anxiety, depression and lupus and on top of that she gets bullied online everyday by people who have no idea about her struggles. she’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I’m so proud of her!!

— h ‎⎊‎‎⧗ (@finelineselena) April 3, 2020

that was the best livestream i’ve ever watched in my life. they were so genuine and comfortable with each other and selena opened up about being bipolar for the first time. that is really better than any interview she’s ever done. i love them both so much

— Maria (@selenarules6) April 3, 2020

I’m so proud of my selena @selenagomez you were so so brave. i’m so proud of how she opened up about her bipolar disease and she truly made my day❤️and thank you to @MileyCyrus ofc! pic.twitter.com/3tXcxMoz4q

— ????????????????????????☁️ (@selenasangelz) April 3, 2020

For more on bipolar disorder from our community, check out the following stories: