Selena Gomez says she was misdiagnosed before receiving a bipolar diagnosis and is urging others not to give up when seeking help. The singer-actress described a long, sometimes confusing path to a correct diagnosis and credited therapy, rehab and partner support for helping her understand herself better.
What she said — and why it matters
On a recent episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, Gomez — co-founder of mental health platform Wondermind — opened up about first noticing something was wrong and ultimately being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020 during an Instagram Live with Miley Cyrus.
“I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed,” Gomez told hosts, adding that she had to see several clinicians before getting answers. “I’m so grateful I went to four different rehabs because it all helped me understand it,” she said.
Partner perspective
Fellow musician and husband Benny Blanco spoke on how Gomez sometimes experiences manic episodes without immediately recognizing them. He said she often realizes she’s in the middle of an episode only after it happens, making communication delicate. Gomez called herself “so hyper aware” and added, “I’m equally proud to say that I do have moments of mania… I’m not ashamed at all, because I can catch them a bit quicker.”
What bipolar means and how people get diagnosed
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic‑depressive disorder, involves marked shifts in mood, energy and activity that make daily tasks difficult. The Mayo Clinic describes manic or hypomanic highs and depressive lows as core features; symptoms vary by bipolar type.
Health authorities estimate about 2.8% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder in any given year, and 4.4% across a lifetime. Diagnosis typically combines medical exams, lab tests and mental‑health assessments, plus tracking of mood and sleep patterns.
Advice from Gomez and clinical guidance
- Persist in finding the right clinician: Gomez said she spoke to multiple therapists before the correct diagnosis.
- Follow care plans: After diagnosis, usual recommendations include monitoring warning signs, adequate sleep, medication adherence and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
- Lean on trusted support: Gomez highlighted the value of a partner who understands and meets you where you are.
Why this conversation matters now
Gomez’s openness contributes to a larger push to destigmatize mental‑health care and makes a public case for persistence when early assessments don’t fit. She told listeners, “You are not defined by a term,” and encouraged others to keep seeking information and support.
Response and next steps
Fox News Digital reached out to Gomez’s representation and Wondermind for comment. Gomez’s ongoing advocacy through Wondermind and her public discussions about therapy and rehab suggest she’ll keep using her platform to spotlight mental‑health care. For anyone noticing similar symptoms, clinics such as the Mayo Clinic recommend consulting a professional for evaluation and treatment planning.