Mariah Carey Reveals Battle With Bipolar Disorder
Has Social Media Made Her Condition Worse?
#DARLING! Mariah Carey needs no introduction. The iconic Singer has been involved in many of our lives for decades – and has been a huge advocate and ally of the LGBTQ community. Her herd of fans which she calls Lambs may arguably be the first fan base who received a nickname. Carey has consistently kept herself at the tip of our tongues with zany vocals, half-assed performances, and plenty of antics which gained her a 2016 Docuseries, Mariah’s World. The champagne goddess is now making headlines regarding mental health.
According to People Magazine, Carey has admitted she suffers from Bipolar II Disorder. If you’re unfamiliar with Bipolar II Disorder: It causes periods of depression and abnormally elevated moods; although her case is typically less severe than those who have Bipolar I Disorder. Other common side affects are ADD, depression, hyper-sexuality, narcissism, and irritation. Perhaps now we know why Carey’s antics are as heightened as they come. Carey was first diagnosed after a hospital visit for a physical and mental breakdown in 2001. She tells People:
“Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love — writing songs and making music. For a long time I thought I had a severe sleep disorder. But it wasn’t normal insomnia and I wasn’t lying awake counting sheep. I was working and working and working … I was irritable and in constant fear of letting people down. I would feel so lonely and sad — even guilty that I wasn’t doing what I needed to be doing for my career.”
Carey speaks on why she’s chosen to share her secret:
“I’m just in a really good place right now, where I’m comfortable discussing my struggles with bipolar II disorder. I’m hopeful we can get to a place where the stigma is lifted from people going through anything alone. It can be incredibly isolating. It does not have to define you and I refuse to allow it to define me or control me.”
Carey’s disorder is shared with celebrities such as LGBTQ ally, Demi Lovato, openly-gay Maria Bello, and the late Star Wars princess, Carrie Fisher. We’re pulling for Carey during this difficult time and wish her the best on her journey.
