Kanye West has publicly acknowledged the vital support of his wife, Bianca Censori, during his recent mental health challenges. In an email interview with Vanity Fair, published on January 27, 2023, West discussed the impact of his bipolar disorder and how Censori played a crucial role in his recovery.
West revealed that after a four-month manic episode, he experienced a significant shift in his mental state due to changes in his medication. “Toward the end of my four-month-long manic episode, my medication was changed,” he explained. “In that shift, the antipsychotic drug took me into a really deep depressive episode. My wife recognized that, and we sought out what’s been effective and stabilizing course correction in my regime from a rehab facility in Switzerland.” He emphasized the seriousness of bipolar disorder, stating, “You must understand bipolar is a disease. It’s one of the most lethal nonterminal illnesses.”
Reflecting on the effects of his mental health struggles, West noted that his condition had strained his personal relationships, particularly with his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian. He shared that during manic phases, he often felt disconnected from reality. “When you’re manic, you really don’t think that you’re sick,” the 48-year-old artist said. “You think that everyone else is deeply overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world so much more clearly on things, when in reality you’re losing your grip entirely.”
West’s journey with mental health has been complicated by a traumatic brain injury sustained in a car accident in 2003, which he believes contributed to his diagnosis and subsequent behaviors, including making antisemitic remarks for which he has since apologized. His recent reflections highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of mental health crises. “Hitting rock bottom a few months ago,” he wrote in his Wall Street Journal advertisement, “my wife encouraged me to finally get help.”
The impact of West’s mental health issues on his marriage has been a topic of discussion. Kardashian has previously expressed the emotional and financial strain his manic episodes placed on their relationship. In an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she described the unsettling uncertainty of living with someone who experiences such extreme mood swings. “I didn’t know what you’re going to get when you wake up and that’s a really unsettling feeling,” she stated.
Today, West reports that he is on a positive path, thanks to the combination of therapy, medication, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. He stated, “As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world.”
This candid discussion underscores a growing trend among public figures to openly address mental health challenges. Many stars, including Gucci Mane and Penn Badgley, have shared their experiences with mental health issues, fostering a dialogue that encourages others to seek help. As West continues his journey, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems and professional help in overcoming mental health struggles.
