Quotes From Celebrities With Bipolar Disorder

Stars get candid about living with the condition.

If you have bipolar disorder, you are not alone. An estimated 6 million American adults live with the condition, according to the University of Michigan. And it can affect anyone, no matter how rich, famous, or successful they are. This means that famous people can be impacted by bipolar illness, too. There have been many celebrities with bipolar disorder who have been open about their struggle with the condition, including Grammy-nominated singer Bebe Rexha, television host Jane Pauley, and Academy Award-winning actor Mel Gibson. 

It’s crucial to talk openly about mental health, and that’s what many actors, singers, and authors are doing. They are proving that there is hope for bipolar disorder.  Scroll down to read some quotes from celebrities living with bipolar disorder.

"I felt a huge weight lifted off me when I found out."

-Selena Gomez 

Former Disney star Selena Gomez is one of the many celebrities with bipolar disorder who has been open about living with the condition. Gomez explained in an interview how she felt relieved when she was finally diagnosed. For her, it explained so much. It can take 10-15 years to get a bipolar diagnosis. In the meantime, undiagnosed bipolar symptoms can wreak havoc on a person’s relationships, work, and other areas of life. 

“Until recently, I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me.” 

-Mariah Carey 

There’s still a deep stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. Because of the stigma, many people who have this condition try to keep it secret. Even stars like Mariah Carey can experience shame and embarrassment regarding a bipolar diagnosis.  Carey, who was first diagnosed with bipolar II in 2001, shares with People how she kept her diagnosis hidden for many years. 

“You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent.”

-Demi Lovato 

Singer and songwriter Demi Lovato tells The Cut about the importance of speaking up if you have bipolar disorder. Many people with bipolar disorder live in isolation —afraid that they will lose their career or relationships and be defined by the disorder if they talk about having it. However, speaking up helps break down the stigma. It also can help you feel less lonely. 

“A manic episode isn’t a joke.” “If you can’t offer understanding or sympathy, offer your silence.”

-Halsey 

Spend some time browsing any major social media platform, and you’ll likely come across a joke making fun of someone in a manic episode. “Without Me” Singer Halsey, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, frequently takes to social media to try to end the stigma and educate fans. In a Tweet from 2020, she said that she was disturbed by what she saw on social media. She was likely referring to jokes made about Kanye West, who also (allegedly) has bipolar disorder and was publicly having a manic episode. Manic episodes are serious mood shifts that occur in bipolar one. Halsey asked fans to be silent if they couldn’t offer understanding. 

“Living with purpose and having a schedule with my family has brought me balance.”

-Pete Wentz 

Pete Wentz is the bassist for Fall Out Boy. Before he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he used drugs to self-medicate. Once he was diagnosed, he was able to finally get his symptoms under control. Lifestyle changes are a factor in managing bipolar. In a 2018 interview with People, Wentz talks about the lifestyle changes that have helped him manage bipolar disorder, such as living intentionally, practicing regular meditation, exercising, and learning from his family for support. 

“Without medication, I would not be able to function in this world. Medication has made me a good mother, a good friend, a good daughter." 

-Carrie Fisher

Actress Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the 1970s Star Wars movies, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 20s. Before she died in 2016, Fisher had been an outspoken advocate of bipolar disorder awareness. She offered inspiration and hope to many people. She was vocal about getting help for bipolar disorder during a time when it was much more stigmatized. In the quote above, Fisher talks about the importance of mood stabilizer medication for bipolar disorder and how it can impact one’s life. 

“I  had developed manic depression [bipolar disorder] ... and the main symptoms the constant voice in the head telling you to kill yourself.”

-Sinéad O’Connor 

Sinéad O’Connor, singer of the 1990s hit, 'Nothing Compares 2 U,'' died in 2023 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma. She also had bipolar disorder. The singer had a history of suicidal ideation, which many people with bipolar disorder experience. Up to 60 percent of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide. In this quote, she talked about experiencing chronic suicidal ideation. 

Learn how to pick up the pieces after a manic episode.