We only care when its cute – A look at Bipolar disorder and the Mental Health illness that isn’t fun.

In today’s society, we often pride ourselves on being supportive and understanding when it comes to mental health issues, especially those that are relatively easy to manage or socially acceptable to discuss. We share posts about self-care, encourage therapy, and are quick to offer a listening ear to someone experiencing stress or anxiety. However, when confronted with more severe mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, our reactions can be markedly different. Despite individuals openly sharing their struggles, as Kanye West has with his bipolar disorder, the public and media are often quick to judge and criticize behaviors that stem from their condition. This lack of consistent support highlights a significant gap in our collective empathy and understanding. Kanye West’s journey provides a poignant example of how the complexity of bipolar disorder can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of support from the very society that claims to champion mental health awareness.

Kanye West’s journey with bipolar disorder has been marked by a series of public revelations, statements, and events that shed light on his experiences. His openness about his condition has contributed to broader conversations about mental health and the misunderstandings surrounding bipolar disorder. Here’s a detailed account of his journey:

Initial Revelations

“Ye” Album (2018)

Kanye West’s 2018 album “Ye” was one of the first significant public acknowledgments of his bipolar disorder. The album cover famously features the phrase, “I hate being Bi-Polar it’s awesome,” capturing the duality and complexity of the condition.

“That’s my superpower. I’m a superhero.” – This line from the album reflects Kanye’s view of his bipolar disorder, emphasizing both the challenges and the unique perspective it gives him

• Context: The album was created during a period of intense public scrutiny and personal turmoil for Kanye, further highlighting how his mental health influenced his creative process.

Public Statements and Interviews

Charlamagne Tha God Interview (2018)

In a lengthy interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Kanye discussed his mental health, the challenges he faced, and how he perceives his condition.

“I think everybody got something. But like, when you talk about, you know, I had a mental breakdown, or this or that, I think it’s important for us to have open conversations about mental health.”

• Insight: Kanye emphasized the importance of mental health discussions, helping to destigmatize the topic for many of his fans.

David Letterman’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” (2019)

Kanye West appeared on David Letterman’s Netflix show, where he spoke candidly about his experiences with bipolar disorder.

“When you’re in this state, you’re hyper-paranoid about everything. Everyone – this is my experience, other people have different experiences – everyone now is an actor. Everything’s a conspiracy.”

• Insight: Kanye’s description of his paranoia and delusions provides a raw and personal glimpse into the severe impacts of bipolar disorder.

Concerts and Public Appearances

Kanye’s concerts and public appearances have also been venues where his bipolar disorder has manifested and been discussed.

During his Saint Pablo Tour, Kanye made several on-stage statements that led to concerns about his mental health. The tour was eventually canceled, and Kanye was hospitalized. Kanye’s extended rants during concerts, where he spoke on various topics in a disjointed manner, were seen as indicative of a manic episode. The hospitalization following the tour cancellation was a turning point, bringing his mental health struggles into the public eye.

Social Media and Public Perception

Kanye’s use of social media has also played a significant role in his mental health narrative.

Twitter and Announcements

Kanye has used Twitter to share his thoughts, often in an erratic and impulsive manner.

“I’m nice at ping pong” – This seemingly random tweet is an example of how his posts can sometimes appear disjointed or unrelated to any context, potentially reflecting a manic state.

• Impact: These posts have led to public concern and media speculation about his mental state, contributing to a mixed perception among fans and the general public. Social media is a tough place for anyone with Mental Health Illness, it can cause information to be misread and misrepresented.

Misunderstandings and Misconceptions

Kanye’s public journey with bipolar disorder has often been met with misunderstanding. His erratic behavior, outspoken comments, and controversial actions have sometimes been dismissed as merely eccentric or attention-seeking rather than symptoms of a mental health condition.

• Misconception: Many people view bipolar disorder solely through the lens of extreme mood swings, not recognizing the full spectrum of symptoms, including paranoia, delusions, and impulsive behavior.
• Impact: This has led to a lack of empathy and understanding, with some seeing Kanye’s actions as deliberate provocations rather than manifestations of his illness.
• Example: The infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident, where Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, is often cited as erratic behavior. However, without considering his mental health, such actions are easily misinterpreted.

Advocacy and Awareness

Despite the challenges, Kanye has also used his platform to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Wyoming Ranch and Yeezy Campus

Kanye’s move to Wyoming and his work on the Yeezy campus have been described as part of his efforts to find peace and manage his mental health.

“I’m just focusing on my family and being creative.” – This statement reflects his attempt to create a stable environment conducive to his well-being.

• Insight: By retreating to a more isolated and serene environment, Kanye has tried to mitigate the triggers that might exacerbate his bipolar symptoms.

Sunday Service and Spiritual Journey

Kanye’s Sunday Service events, blending music and spirituality, have also been part of his coping mechanism.

“I had to go to God, even more than ever.” – This shows how Kanye’s faith and spiritual practices play a crucial role in his mental health journey.

• Impact: These services have become a form of therapy for Kanye, providing him with a sense of community and purpose.

Challenges in the Public Eye

Kanye’s high-profile status means his experiences are scrutinized and sometimes sensationalized.

“It’s not a disability, it’s a superpower.” – Kanye’s perspective challenges the traditional narrative of mental illness, emphasizing a more empowering view.

• Insight: This approach can inspire others with bipolar disorder to see their condition in a new light, though it also highlights the need for balance in managing mental health.

So we want to have it both ways, we want to demonstrate and virtue signal that we care about the growing rate of Mental Health concerns but when someone in the public eye announces repeatedly that they are sick we ignore it.

Kanye West’s journey with bipolar disorder highlights the complexities and misunderstandings associated with the condition. His public struggles have opened up conversations about mental health but have also been met with misinterpretations. By sharing his experiences, Kanye has helped shed light on the reality of living with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need for greater empathy and awareness. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring example of how public figures can influence mental health discourse.