'F--king complicated': Selena Gomez opens up about bipolar disorder
What's the story
Pop sensation Selena Gomez (33) recently opened up about her battle with bipolar disorder on the podcast Friends Keep Secrets. The episode, hosted by her husband and music producer Benny Blanco (37), featured Lil Dicky and his wife Kristin Batalucco, as guests. During the candid conversation, Gomez described her diagnosis journey as "f--king complicated," involving multiple therapists and four rehab stints.
Relationship dynamics
Gomez on 'mania' moments
Blanco revealed that Gomez sometimes experiences "moments of mania," which she doesn't always recognize in the moment. "She'll start to realize she's having it after, and sometimes she doesn't even remember when it's happening," he said. Despite this, Gomez isn't ashamed of these episodes as they help her identify what's happening faster. She added that having a partner who understands her condition has been helpful in navigating these challenges.
Self-discovery
Living life freely after diagnosis
Gomez also shared how getting diagnosed has allowed her to live life "freely" and understand her inconsistent reactions to situations. "I would act out of fear and I would act out of love, I'd act out of passion, it was all inconsistent," she recalled. The singer first revealed her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2020 after a public breakdown in 2018.
Mental health management
She only trusts a couple of people during bad days
Gomez has previously spoken about her coping strategies for bad mental health days. In an Instagram interview with influencer Rami Bader in October 2024, she said she only trusts one or two people during such times. "Sometimes isolating myself when I'm not feeling great can be scary... But if I'm around people that make me feel good, and make me feel like I can say anything, that always helps me."
Healing mechanisms
On being 'properly medicated'
In a September 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez revealed that she is now "properly medicated." She also uses temperature as a "healing mechanism" during physical and mental health flare-ups. The pop star said she finds varying temperatures "soothing at different times," whether it's through cold water or space heaters.