Kim Kardashian West Addresses Kanye West’s Bipolar Diagnosis in a Rare Statement
The reality star broke her silence on West’s headline-making behaviour in recent weeks and called for “compassion and empathy.”
Photo: Getty
Kanye West Kim Kardashian
- Kim Kardashian West took to her Instagram Stories to speak out on her husband Kanye West's recent concerning behaviour.
- In her message, Kardashian West acknowledged her husband's bipolar diagnosis publicly for the first time.
- "I've never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye's right to privacy. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health," she wrote in her message.
Kim Kardashian West is speaking out on her husband Kanye West's bipolar diagnosis.
In the last week, West has taken to Twitter, unleashing a slew of concerning tweets, including accusations toward Kardashian West; her mother, Kris Jenner; and their handling of the rapper's mental state over the years, and even adding a declaration that he tried to divorce Kardashian West years prior.
West's now-deleted tweets followed an alarming "election rally" that West held in Charleston, South Carolina, for an alleged presidential bid in this year's election. At the event, he appeared emotionally distressed and admitted onstage to contemplating aborting his firstborn daughter, North West.
In a message shared to her Instagram Stories, Kardashian West addressed how West's recent behaviour has been worrisome for her family and requested privacy as they work to help West through this time.
Related article: Gisele Bündchen Celebrates Her 40th Birthday By Promising To Plant 40,000 Trees
"As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it come to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health," she began.
"Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behaviour know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor. People who are unaware of far removed from this experience can be judgmental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try.”
Related article: Nicki Minaj Is Pregnant With Her First Child
She continued, "I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions. He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressure of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bi-polar disorder. Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times do not align with his intentions.
"Living with bi-polar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some. That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true," she wrote.
Related article: Britney Spears Reportedly Asked Her Mom To Be A Part Of Her Conservatorship
Kardashian West concluded her message stating that those who recognise the importance of empathy when it comes to mental health should extend the same sense of understanding to her husband, regardless of his celebrity status.
"We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most. I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this. Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well being and for your understanding. With love and gratitude, Kim Kardashian West.”
This article originally appeared on Harper’s Bazaar US.
Related article: Katy Perry is "Grateful" For Her Pregnancy Body