Kanye West Kim Kardashian West
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West attend the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/VF20/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Mandatory Mental Health: Kim Kardashian West Asks Media For ‘Compassion and Empathy’ Regarding Kanye’s Bipolar Disorder (Here Are Some Ways to Do That)

We love picking on Kanye West just as much as the next media outlet, but Kim Kardashian West’s recent plea on Instagram is making us feel a little bit like jerks. On the social media platform, Mrs. West addressed her rapper husband’s bipolar disorder and asked for “compassion and empathy.”

The post appears to have been removed, so here’s her full statement:

As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar 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 around mental health.

Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behavior know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor. People who are unaware of, 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, has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bi-polar disorder. Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions.

Living with bi-polar 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. With love and gratitude, Kim Kardashian West.

So how do you show compassion and empathy for someone with mental illness? Here are a few ideas.

Cover Photos: Rich Fury/VF20 / Contributor (Getty Images)

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