KUWTK: Understanding Kanye’s Bipolar Disorder (Symptoms & Treatment)

Several years ago, Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Even though mental health awareness is growing, there is still some stigma. There is also confusion about what living with a mental illness really means. Kanye recently split from Kim Kardashian, and fans want to learn more about his bipolar disorder. 

In 2016, Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Ever since, he’s been open and frank about his mental health struggles, despite the threat of backlash. At the time, West stated that he experienced manic episodes which often included paranoia. Manic episodes are characterized by impulsiveness, excitement, euphoria, and bursts of energy. People experiencing mania may engage in spending sprees, have unprotected intercourse, and abuse drugs. On average, most people begin to experience symptoms of bipolar disorder at age 25. Kanye may have experienced symptoms around that age, but he wasn’t publicly diagnosed until he was 39.  

Related: KUWTK: Why Fans Say There Is No Chemistry Between Khloé & Tristan

Others with bipolar disorder may experience depressive episodes. In addition, men, women, teens, and children typically experience different bipolar symptoms, which may be treated with medications. Sometimes, hospitalization is required. West has shown heartwarming honesty when discussing his mental health, which has often concerned his fans. One in 24 adults has a serious mental illness, which means that most people know someone with a mental health issue, or have a mental health issue of their own. Kanye’s story helps to raise awareness about mental health issues, and that is important.

In 2020, Kanye showed signs of mania while running for president during the US presidential election. Many people thought it was radical that he ran for president in the first place. His mania seemed to continue during a public rally. He revealed that he and his then-wife Kim Kardashian had allegedly contemplated the abortion of their first child. Following this, Kanye took to Twitter, claiming that Kim and her mother Kris Jenner were trying to lock him up.

Some fans wondered if his problems were stress-related or linked with COVID-19. He’d been working on his new album, Donda, which was never released, and his political ambitions may have created pressure. At some point during the chaos, Kim wrote on her Instagram story, “As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand,” as reported by Vogue. Unfortunately, this seemed to be a turning point in Kim and Kanye’s marriage, despite her ongoing support of his mental health

In 2019, West appeared on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman to discuss his mother’s passing, tension with fellow rap artist Drake, and how taking medication for his bipolar disorder negatively affects his music. Many people thought that Kanye wasn’t being responsible as he was neglecting to take his medication. However, he once explained on Twitter, “I’m loving the new music I’ve been working on. 6 months off meds I can feel me again,” as seen below:

Kanye realizes he has mania sometimes but is clearly trying to make peace with his bipolar disorder, especially as it relates to his art. In fact, Keeping Up With the Kardashians star West’s creative expressions through music and other mediums are likely healing for him. He told Letterman, “If you guys want these crazy ideas, crazy stages, crazy music, and this crazy way of thinking, there’s a chance it might come from a crazy person.” In addition, he says, “Name one genius that ain’t crazy” and “I’ve been outta my mind a long time” in the song “Feedback,” from The Life of Pablo album. Kanye’s openness about mental illness is inspiring and may help a lot of people.

Next: KUWTK: Kanye Allegedly Tried to Sell Kim’s Jewelry Days Before Divorce

Source: Vogue, Twitter

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