Selena Gomez has spoken candidly about how difficult it was to get the right diagnosis after being misdiagnosed before learning she has bipolar disorder.
The former Disney star and singer first shared her diagnosis publicly in 2020. She recently revisited the topic on an episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, appearing with her husband, Benny Blanco, and discussing how life has been since.
According to the Mayo Clinic, bipolar disorder involves significant shifts in mood, ranging from elevated periods (mania or hypomania) to depressive lows.
Reflecting on the path to answers, Gomez told the podcast: “I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed.
“People were just assuming, and I would try multiple therapists. And that’s why it’s hard. It’s actually really hard when we’re talking about these things.”
She also described how complicated the process felt from the very start: “And for me to go get a therapist, all of it is so f*****g complicated.”
Gomez explained that landing on the correct diagnosis and treatment plan meant seeing several different professionals, emphasizing that persistence matters: “You can’t just give up.”
During the conversation, she and Blanco also touched on what her manic episodes can look like.
Manic and hypomanic episodes can involve noticeable changes such as increased activity or agitation, heightened confidence, and needing far less sleep than usual.
They can also include rapid speech, racing thoughts, quickly shifting between topics, being easily distracted, and making impulsive or risky choices.
Speaking about those moments, Blanco said: “She’ll start to realize she’s having it after it’s happening, and sometimes she doesn’t even remember when it’s happening.
“It’s such a delicate thing because you’re not supposed to technically talk to that person about it while they’re deep in it.”
He added that her awareness has helped them navigate it as a couple: “And it’s like, even dating her and she’s so hyperaware, she’ll be like, ‘I think I’m feeling a little manic.’ “
Gomez said she doesn’t feel embarrassment about experiencing mania, and noted she’s learned to recognize signs sooner: “I can catch them a bit quicker.
“But it is helpful to have a partner that will understand where the temperature is at and meet you where you are, and then you gradually understand what’s happening.”
The couple began dating in 2023, and Gomez confirmed the relationship publicly in December of that year, sharing that they had already been together for six months.
In 2024, they announced their engagement on Instagram, with Gomez, 33, posting photos that included her sparkling ring and the caption: “Forever begins now..”
They later married in September, celebrating with a formal black-tie wedding at a private 70-acre estate north of Santa Barbara, California.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.