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Actress and singer Selena Gomez has opened up about her mental health following her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
The former Disney star announced her diagnosis in 2020 during an Instagram Live video call with fellow Disney Channel standout Miley Cyrus. Gomez has described this discovery as a relief, although it has not been an easy road.
In a recent episode of the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, Gomez — founder of mental health publication Wondermind — shared details about her journey to diagnosis.
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Fellow musician and husband Benny Blanco asked his wife if she knew she was bipolar before she was officially diagnosed.
“I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed,” he replied. “I think people just assume – and I’m going to try some therapy.”
Actress and singer Selena Gomez has opened up about her mental health following her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. (Michael Buckner/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)
“It’s really hard when people are talking about this, and for me to go, ‘Go get a therapist.’ Everything is… complicated.”
Gomez detailed how her diagnosis required talking to “a few different people,” stressing the importance of not giving up.
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“I’m so thankful I went to four different rehabs because they all helped me understand,” she says.
Blanco revealed that Gomez sometimes has manic episodes without recognizing it.
“He’ll start to realize he’s having it after it happens, and sometimes he doesn’t even remember when it happened,” he said.
“It’s a delicate thing because … you don’t have to, technically, talk to the person when they’re deep.”
Blanco added that Gomez was “fully conscious” when he experienced mania.
“I’m equally proud to say that I have moments of mania,” she says. “I’m not ashamed at all, because I can catch them faster.”
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“It’s useful to have a partner who will understand … and meet you where you are,” added the singer.
Since her diagnosis, Gomez said she lives a more “free” life.
“It’s completely hypocritical to disparage people for therapy, or people who don’t understand it, it’s not for you,” she said. “But for me, I finally let myself go, ‘Oh, that’s why I manage things the way I do [did]. That’s why other people can solve problems quickly, and I don’t.'”
Blanco (left) revealed that Gomez sometimes had manic episodes without recognizing it. (Mother McIntyre)
Gomez added, “I act out of fear, I act out of love, I act out of passion, it’s all inconsistent. It’s crazy.”
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The actress encourages others that no matter the diagnosis, “you are not defined by a term.”
“It’s just informative to search and talk and listen to podcasts or listen to certain things that will help you get information,” he said. “I believe there is a lot of hope.”
Signs of bipolar disorder
About 2.8% of adults in the U.S. have experienced bipolar disorder in the past year, while 4.4% experience it during their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Formerly called manic depression or “manic-depressive disorder,” bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels, affecting the ability to perform daily tasks.
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This can include emotional highs, called mania or hypomania, and lows, known as depression, per the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of bipolar.
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Manic and hypomanic episodes typically include three or more of the following symptoms:
- Increased activity, energy or agitation
- Feeling too confident, or having a distorted sense of well-being
- Need less sleep than usual
- Speaks quickly or becomes unusually talkative
- Having a racing mind or jumping from one topic to another
- Being easily confused
- Making bad decisions
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A major depressive episode includes symptoms such as feelings of sadness, emptiness and hopelessness. (iStock)
A major depressive episode typically includes five or more of the following symptoms.
- Feelings of depression, sadness, emptiness, hopelessness or tears
- Have a loss of interest or feel no pleasure in most activities
- Losing weight when not dieting, or overeating and gaining weight
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling restless or acting slower than usual
- Feeling very tired or losing energy
- Feeling useless or guilty if you don’t need it
- Struggles with thinking or concentrating, resulting in an inability to make decisions
- Thinking, planning or attempting suicide
Formerly called manic depression or “manic-depressive disorder,” bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. (iStock)
Finding a diagnosis
The Mayo Clinic encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek professional help.
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Diagnosis can be made through a physical exam and lab tests, as well as a mental health assessment and tracking of moods, sleep patterns and other factors.
After diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic recommends paying attention to warning signs to prevent episodes. Getting enough sleep, taking medication as directed, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol can also help.
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Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Gomez and Wondermind for comment.
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