Mariah Carey opens up for the first time about battling bipolar II disorder. The iconic singer tells PEOPLE that it’s been a difficult journey thus far, but she’s ready to speak about her experience.
“I didn’t want to believe it,” she said. “Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love — writing songs and making music.”
“Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression,” according to WebMD. “Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.”
Things are also looking better for Carey, who is planning to release a new album later this year. Moving beyond “the hardest couple of years,” Mariah is now in therapy. She’s also taking medication for bipolar II disorder. “I’m actually taking medication that seems to be pretty good”, she also added. “It’s not making me feel too tired or sluggish or anything like that. Finding the proper balance is what is most important.”
