Selena Gomez has opened up about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The singer appeared on Miley Cyrus’ Instagram Live chat show Bright Minded, where she spoke about her mental health.
“Recently, I went to one of the best mental hospitals in America, McLean Hospital, and I discussed that after years of going through a lot of different things, I realised that I was bipolar,” she said.
“I think people get scared of that. I’ve seen some of it even in my own family where I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ I’m from Texas, it’s just not known to talk about mental health. You got to seem cool.
“And then I see anger built up in children and teenagers or whatever, young adults, because they are wanting that so badly. I just feel like when I finally said what I was going to say, I wanted to know everything about it. And it took the fear away.
“I was equal parts terrified and relieved [when I was diagnosed] – terrified because the veil was lifted but relieved that I finally had the knowledge of why I had suffered with various depressions and anxieties for so many years.
“I never had full awareness or answers about this condition. When I have more information, it actually helps me, it doesn’t scare me once I know it.”
Elsewhere in the show, the pair spoke about how they reconnected through the butterfly emoji.
“I’m just really happy that we did this new DM. It was very sweet because you just sent a butterfly emoji,” Cyrus said.
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“And that’s enough, connecting with people and letting them know that you’re there. A butterfly emoji is totally enough.”
Gomez revealed that she has been “writing a lot” during the coronavirus pandemic as a way to help her process what is going on in the world, as she opened up about reconnecting with people during this time.
“A lot of it is connecting with people that maybe you haven’t been the greatest to that you may not have thought about,” she continued.
“I feel like there’s been a lot of people I’ve gotten to do that with not necessarily saying it was bad, but just saying, ‘Hey, I hope you’re safe. I hope you’re doing okay,’ and that you know you’re on my side. I’m only sending you love from this end.'”
At the end of the 20 minute chat, Cyrus told her she could “send me butterflies anytime,” adding: “When all this has moved on and we can connect, we’ll just hug.”
