Selena Gomez on Living More Freely Post-Bipolar Diagnosis

Selena Gomez continues her advocacy for mental health awareness, recently sharing intimate details about her journey with bipolar disorder. The actress and entrepreneur sat down with her husband, Benny Blanco, for a frank discussion on his Friends Keep Secrets podcast.

As the co-founder of Wondermind, Gomez spoke openly about managing episodes of mania and the path that led her to her current understanding of her condition. She revealed that she suspected something was amiss long before receiving her official diagnosis.

The Path to Diagnosis and Understanding

Gomez shared with Blanco that she believes she was initially misdiagnosed. She expressed profound gratitude for the process that ultimately brought clarity.

"I’m so grateful I went to four different rehabs because it all helped me understand it," she stated. Gomez first disclosed her bipolar diagnosis publicly in 2020, noting the complexity involved in seeking help.

The singer acknowledged the difficulty in navigating the mental health system. "It’s actually really hard when we’re talking about these things, and for me to go, ‘Go get a therapist.’ All of it is so... complicated," she explained.

Acceptance and Living with Mania

The "Lose You To Love Me" artist emphasized that since receiving the diagnosis, she has been able to live more "freely." This newfound freedom stems from accepting all facets of her mental health.

"I’m equally proud to say that I do have moments of mania," Gomez remarked. She added that she is "not ashamed at all, because I can catch them a bit quicker."

The Role of Partnership in Managing Episodes

Benny Blanco interjected to underscore the vital role of a supportive partner during challenging mental health episodes. He described how Gomez sometimes realizes she is experiencing mania only after it has occurred.

"She’ll start to realize she’s having it after it’s happening, and sometimes she doesn’t even remember when it’s happening," Blanco noted. He stressed the delicacy required, mentioning that technically, one should not engage deeply with someone "while they’re deep in it."

Gomez concluded by affirming the necessity of understanding support. "It is helpful to have a partner who will understand... And meet you where you are," she affirmed.