I Miss the Old Kanye: The Onset and Backlash of Bipolar Disorder
Kanye has been a person of interest in the world of celebrities for years. From his self-titled genius and award winning musical credentials, to his MAGA hat wearing proclamations and his world touring gospel choir, and now his presidential bid, Kanye has always been a conversation starter. So let’s start another one.
People are angry, confused, entertained, and concerned. But, the opinions circulating around what is happening with Kanye is not new for people who live with Bipolar Disorder. Those who live with Bipolar Disorder are often misrepresented and misunderstood due to lack of information and immediate stigma against them. So let’s get some facts out there.
Fact #1: Bipolar Disorder includes multiple classifications.
There are several diagnoses that are classified as a Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Substance/Medication Induced Bipolar and Related Disorder
Bipolar and Related Disorder due to another Medical Condition
Other Specified Bipolar and Related Disorder
Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorder
Fact #2: The onset of a Bipolar Disorder is caused by a combination effect of factors.
Many people talk about how Kanye started to spiral after the death of his mother which is makes sense clinically. Factors that can cause the onset of a Bipolar Disorder can include:
Highly stressful event like the death of a loved one or a traumatic incident
A direct relative (like a sibling or parent) that has a Bipolar Disorder
Substance abuse
Fact #3: Someone who has a Bipolar Disorder can show a lot of different symptoms.
Kanye’s recent behaviors have been described as “manic” or him experiencing a “manic episode”. There are major areas that individuals with a Bipolar Disorder confirm when diagnosed and mania is one of them.
Mania is when an individual displays an abnormally elevated or irritable mood which could involve:
A decreased need for sleep
A sense of euphoria
Inflated self-esteem or “God complex”
Intensely talkative
Easily agitated and usually uncalled for rage
Racing progression of ideas/thoughts
Easily distracted
Over-indulgence in activities that could have severely negative consequences
Depression is the other end of the symptom spectrum and comes in right as the mania recedes. This can include: lack of sleep or sleeping too much, loss of energy, suicidal thoughts, guilt, inability to make decisions, and feeling worthless.
Both the mania and depressive symptoms can last for weeks or months at a time.
Fact#4: A Bipolar Disorder can exist with other mental illnesses.
The ability or capability of having more than one condition is called comorbidity. Common mental illnesses that can be associated with Bipolar Disorder include (but are not limited to):
ADHD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Fact #5: Medication is an option...but it’s complicated.
Kanye has claimed that being off of his medication has helped him feel like himself. Unfortunately, medications that are prescribed for mental illnesses is a touch and go process. A lot of individuals have similar experiences like Kanye because 1) the wrong dosage can make someone zombie like or 2) they are not comfortable with the person they are without the episodes. Other people feel like their medication saved them. There are other interventions like dietary changes or various therapeutic approaches can be effective either in substitution or in combination with medication.
Say what you want about Kanye. We all have an opinion about his actions, his thought processes, and his moods. But if you are willing to talk about that, then you need to be willing to talk about his mental health and mental health in general. The situation around Kanye is complicated. Mental health is complicated. But, the way we end the stigma around mental health is to start that conversation. Kanye is one person. Are you ready to talk about the other 2.3 million Americans that live with a Bipolar Disorder?
Thanks for getting A Little Mental with me.
