Understanding Kanye West’s Mental Health
Kanye West is a well-known rapper, producer, and designer who, in recent years, has also become known for his mental health struggles. In 2018, West revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they align with West’s behavior and statements. We will also discuss the impact of his openness about his struggles on the larger conversation about mental health and music, as well as providing a personal look into West’s journey with bipolar disorder.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a condition that affects a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to function. This illness is characterized by episodes of extreme highs, known as mania, and extreme lows, known as depression. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe, and they can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may experience increased energy, decreased need for sleep, grandiose or unrealistic thoughts, and impulsive behavior. They may also have difficulty focusing and engaging in activities without completing them. During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder may experience increased irritability, fatigue, sadness or hopelessness, and difficulty getting out of bed or performing daily tasks.
Kanye West and Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Kanye West’s behavior and statements have been under public scrutiny for years and many believe that his mental illness may be the root cause behind his behavior. West’s actions in interviews, on social media, and during public appearances align with symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, during manic episodes, those with bipolar disorder may experience racing thoughts, patterns of disorganized speech, and may speak intensely on a variety of topics, often assembling disparate ideas together. Similarly, West is known for going on rants during his public appearances or on social media.
West’s behavior during interviews, such as his appearance on “TMZ,” showcased a lack of focus on a singular topic, and he appeared to jump from point to point. West’s public outbursts during concerts and interviews have left many people wondering if his behavior can be attributed to bipolar disorder. He has been open about how his bipolar disorder affects him in interviews, social media posts, and even his music.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness
West’s openness about his mental health has helped to destigmatize mental illness. By being open about his own struggles, he has started a conversation about the prevalence of mental illness in society. This has encouraged others to talk about their experiences with mental illness and has helped to break down the stigma associated with seeking help for these issues. West has also advocated for increased access to mental health resources for communities and individuals who may not have access to these resources.
As mental health becomes less stigmatized in our society, individuals may feel more comfortable seeking assistance when they need it. West’s stigma-breaking efforts have continued through a partnership with Kim Kardashian West for the launch of a line of clothing that aims to raise awareness of mental health resources and provide resources for people in need. These organizations aim to break down the stigma around mental health, increase access to mental health resources, and reduce the barrier for people seeking help.
The Influence of West’s Mental Health on his Music
West has been known to infuse his personal struggles into his music. Historically, West has used his music as a mechanism to process his struggles, and we have seen that manifest in popular albums such as “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” This album captures the raw emotion of West in a way that can be described as aspirational in that it allows an artist to explore the vulnerabilities of the human experience.
In terms of more recent releases, his 2018 album “Ye” is a vulnerable exploration of how West’s struggles with bipolar disorder have affected him and those around him. The album features lyrics about his mental state, such as “That’s my bipolar shit, n*gga, what? That’s my superpower, n*gga, ain’t no disability” and “I said, ‘Slavery a choice,’ they say, ‘How, Ye?’/ Just imagine if they caught me on a wild day.”
West’s music demonstrates how his experience with bipolar disorder has affected his perspective and his creativity. Not only is he drawing from his experiences with mental illness to make emotionally charged and honest music, but he’s also shaping listeners’ perspectives on mental health, particularly when it comes to destigmatizing mental illness and seeking mental health treatment.
A Personal Look at Kanye West’s Journey
West has been vocal about his journey with bipolar disorder. In a 2018 interview with radio personality Charlamagne Tha God, he discussed his mental disorder and the impact it has had on his life. West described how he thought he was going crazy before he received his diagnosis, and that since then he has found some sense of peace by remaining truthful about his condition and his feelings.
In the same interview, West describes how he stopped taking medication for bipolar disorder because he felt it stifled his creativity, something that is commonly referenced by other artists with bipolar disorder. West has credited his conceptions of creativity and his pursuit of innovative vision as being in partnership with the positive aspects of his bipolar disorder.
The Intersection of Creativity and Mental Illness
Kanye West’s experience with bipolar disorder and his contribution to the music and fashion industries raises an important question about the relationship between mental illness and creativity. Some artists, like Kanye West, believe that their mental illness fuels their creativity while others have questioned whether their mental illness has inhibited it. Recent studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder are twice as likely to report creative activities as people without the disorder. This leads to speculation that there’s some connection between mental illness and creativity and that it manifests itself positively in the art created by those who have experienced these disorders.
Different artists may have different experiences with how their mental health affects their music or artistry. However, by highlighting the possibility that a mental disorder may be the root of creative genius, it reinforces the importance of seeking support and treatment for such issues so that we can give each individual a platform to grow their creative talent.
Conclusion
Exploring Kanye West’s mental health disorder has allowed us to shed light on a disorder that affects many people around the world. As a society, we need to continue to break down negative stereotypes and address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness. Kanye West’s openness about his struggle has helped to destigmatize mental illness, and his music and influence have encouraged others to seek mental health resources. Moving forward, we must work to continue to increase access to mental health resources and encourage discussion around mental illness to ensure that those struggling receive adequate support and resources.
