Selena Gomez Opens Up About Bipolar Misdiagnosis and Finding Treatment

Selena Gomez revealed on a podcast that she was initially misdiagnosed before receiving her bipolar disorder diagnosis. She described the complicated process of finding the right therapists and treatments, going through multiple rehabs. Gomez explained that her husband, Benny Blanco, helps support her during moments of mania, which she is no longer ashamed of. She concluded that understanding her condition has finally allowed her to live her life more freely.

Key Points: Selena Gomez Reveals Bipolar Misdiagnosis Journey

  • Revealed misdiagnosis before bipolar
  • Stressed difficulty finding right therapist
  • Credits husband's support during mania
  • Says treatment allows her to live freely
3 min read

Selena Gomez was 'misdiagnosed' before getting bipolar diagnosis

Selena Gomez discusses being misdiagnosed before her bipolar disorder diagnosis and the importance of finding the right treatment and support.

"I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed. - Selena Gomez"

Los Angeles, March 5

Hollywood star Selena Gomez recalled being "misdiagnosed" before ultimately receiving her bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Selena revealed the information while appearing on the March 3 episode of Friends Keep Secrets podcast alongside husband Benny Blanco.

The 33-year-old singer-actress said: "I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed."

She added: "People were just assuming, and I would try multiple therapists. And that's why it's hard. It's actually really hard when we're talking about these things. And for me to go get a therapist, all of it is so f---ing complicated."

Going on to explain that finding the right diagnosis and treatments took going through "multiple different people," Selena stressed how important it was to remember that "you can't just give up," reports people.com.

While going to "four different rehabs" ultimately helped Selena to better understand her diagnosis, Blanco, noted that she will still occasionally "have moments where she's having mania, and she doesn't know."

"She'll start to realize she's having it after it's happening, and sometimes she doesn't even remember when it's happening," the record producer, who wed Gomez in September, said.

"It's such a delicate thing because you're not supposed to technically talk to that person about it while they're deep in it. And it's like, even dating her and she's so hyperaware, she'll be like, 'I think I'm feeling a little manic.'"

In response, she made it clear that those "moments of mania" are never something she's ashamed of.

"I'm not ashamed at all because I can catch them a bit quicker. But it is helpful to have a partner that will understand where the temperature is at and meet you where you are, and then you gradually understand what's happening."

As time goes on and she continues to better understand how her bipolar disorder affects her everyday life, the "Calm Down" singer said that she's been able to live her life more "freely" than ever before.

"That's the problem with misconceptions," Gomez said.

"The whole hypocrisy of shaming people for therapy or people not understanding it is that it's just not for you. That's completely fine, but for me, it finally allowed me to go, 'Oh, that's why I handled things the way I handled it. That's why all the other people were able to get over things so quickly and I wasn't.'"

"I would act out of fear, I would act out of love, I would act out of passion," she added. "It was all inconsistent, it was crazy."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The part about going to multiple therapists and being misdiagnosed really hits home. In our country, finding a good mental health professional is a challenge in itself, and the stigma makes it worse. Her story highlights the importance of persistence.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while I appreciate her sharing, it's easier said than done when you have Hollywood money for "four different rehabs". For the average Indian, even one session with a good therapist is a financial strain. The system needs to be more accessible.
S
Sarah B
Having a supportive partner like Benny makes such a difference. In India, mental health issues are often dismissed by family as "just a phase" or "being dramatic". We need more awareness so people can get the understanding and support they need from loved ones.
K
Karthik V
"I would act out of fear, I would act out of love..." This line is so relatable. Before my own diagnosis, I couldn't understand why my emotions felt so extreme and unpredictable. It's not about being "crazy", it's a medical condition. Good on her for explaining it so well.
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Nisha Z
This is why we need better mental health education in our schools and colleges. Young people suffer in silence because they don't have the vocabulary or knowledge to understand what's happening to them. Stories like Selena's can be a lifeline for someone.

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