Actress and singer Selena Gomez continues to speak out about mental health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The former Disney star announced her death in 2020 during an Instagram Live video call with fellow Disney Channel member Miley Cyrus. Gomez has since described the discovery as helpful, though not an easy road.
In a recent episode of the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, Gomez — co-founder of mental health publication Wondermind — shared details about her journey to diagnosis.
Fellow musician Benny Blanco asked his wife if she knew she had bipolar disorder before she was officially diagnosed.
He replied: “I knew something was wrong, but I think I wasn’t properly diagnosed. I think people just assumed – and I would try a lot of doctors.”
“It’s really hard when we talk about these things, and for me to go, ‘Go find a doctor.’ It’s all very complicated. “…
Gomez explained how her research required talking to “a lot of different people,” stressing the importance of not giving up.
He said: “I’m so thankful that I went to four different rehabs because they all helped me figure it out.
Blanco revealed that Gomez sometimes has a crazy episode without realizing it.
“He’ll start realizing he has it after it happens, and sometimes he doesn’t even remember when it happened,” he said.
It’s very difficult because…
Blanco also said that Gomez is “very aware” when he has mania.
“I’m also proud to say that I have moments of madness,” he said. “I’m not ashamed at all, because I can catch them quickly.”
“It helps to have a partner who will understand … and meet you where you are,” the singer added.
Since her diagnosis, Gomez said she lives life more freely.
“The whole pretense of shaming people for therapy, or people not understanding it, is that it’s not for you. But for me, it finally allowed me to say, ‘That’s why I did things the way I did,'” he said. [did]. That’s why everyone else was able to fix things quickly, and I failed.'”
Gomez added, “I was doing things out of fear, I was doing things out of love, I was doing things out of passion, it wasn’t consistent.
The actress encouraged others that no matter if you suffer from this disease, “you are not defined by a word.”
He said: “It’s important to search and talk and listen to podcasts or listen to certain things that will help you get information. I believe there is a lot of hope.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
About 2.8% of US adults have had bipolar disorder in the past year, while 4.4% have it in their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Formerly known as manic depression or “manic-depressive disorder,” bipolar disorder is characterized by significant changes in mood, energy and level of activity, affecting the ability to perform daily activities.
This can include mood swings, called mania or hypomania, and mood swings, known as depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder.
Manic and hypomanic episodes usually include three or more of the following symptoms:
- Increased performance, energy or frustration
- Feeling overconfident, or having a false sense of well-being
- Need less sleep than usual
- Speaking quickly or speaking in an unusual way
- Having racing thoughts or jumping from one topic to another
- Easily distracted
- Making bad decisions
Major depressive disorder usually includes five or more of the following symptoms.
- Feeling depressed, sad, helpless, hopeless or crying
- Losing interest or feeling uncomfortable in many activities
- Losing weight when you don’t eat, or overeating and gaining weight
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling restless or working slower than usual
- Feeling very tired or drained
- Feeling helpless or guilty is unnecessary
- Struggling to think or concentrate, leading to inability to make decisions
- Thinking, planning or attempting suicide
Want to check
The Mayo Clinic encourages anyone with these symptoms to seek professional help.
Diagnosis can be made through physical examination and lab tests, as well as mental health assessments and tracking of mood, sleep patterns and other factors.
After a diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic recommends paying attention to warning signs to prevent incidents. Getting enough sleep, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can also help.
Fox News Digital has reached out to a representative for Gomez and Wondermind for comment.
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