Kim Kardashian West's post in full: Living with bipolar disorder 'is part of Kanye's genius'
Kim Kardashian West is urging people to give the couple "compassion and empathy" so they can "get through this".
Wednesday 22 July 2020 19:43, UK
Kim Kardashian West has spoken about her husband Kanye West's bipolar disorder for the first time.
It comes after West shared a string of concerning Twitter posts which have since been deleted.
He claimed he has been trying to divorce Kardashian West and also said his wife and her mother, Kris Jenner, flew to see West and have him admitted to hospital after his speech on Sunday night that launched his US presidential campaign.
Read 's response below, which she posted on her Instagram story.
"As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar 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 comes to his health.
But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health.
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 or far removed from this experience can be judgemental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try.
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 pressures 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 bipolar disorder (sic).
Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions.
Living with bipolar 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.
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."
:: Anyone feeling distressed by the mental health aspect of this story can contact the Samaritans for help or advice on 116 123 or [email protected] in the UK. In the US you can contact them on 1 (800) 273-TALK.