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Showbiz
Louis Staples
Jul 22, 2020
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Halsey has gone on Twitter and implored her followers to show understanding and compassion to people living with bipolar disorder.
The singer said: “No jokes right now. I have dedicated my career to offering education and insight about bipolar disorder and I’m so disturbed by what I’m seeing.”
Personal opinions about someone aside, a manic episode isn’t a joke. If you can’t offer understanding or sympathy, offer your silence.
Halsey went on to tweet that “you can hate someone’s actions or opinions without contributing to stigma that damages an entire community of sometimes vulnerable people all for a couple of laughs.”
The singer has been open in the past about her own struggle with bipolar disorder, and named her latest album 'Manic'.
No jokes right now. I have dedicated my career to offering education and insight about bipolar disorder and I’m so… https://t.co/Cllds7Xu8g— h (@h) 1595301399
you can hate someone’s actions or opinions without contributing to stigma that damages an entire community of somet… https://t.co/ygBW35VSdm— h (@h) 1595302009
If you wanna think someone is an asshole, go ahead. Lots of people with mental illnesses are great. Lots of them ar… https://t.co/kpbzQKYr2u— h (@h) 1595302274
Sincerely, Human Being with a Decade Long Bipolar Diagnosis.— h (@h) 1595302380
In response to her tweets, fans agreed with much of what she was saying.
@halsey everyone online wants to advocate for mental health until people actually show symptoms it’s so upsetting— kendall roy apologist (@kendall roy apologist) 1595301466
@halsey So true. A lot of people don't realize how difficult it can be living with bipolar disorder. Often people t… https://t.co/JShdmyQbxI— 🌸👸🏽 (@🌸👸🏽) 1595341472
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another. It used to be known as manic depression.
People with bipolar can go through periods of depression and "mania", where mood swings in either direction can last for several weeks, or even longer. If you want to read more, there's NHS information available here.
Why do people think Halsey is tweeting about Kanye West?
Kanye West said in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Over the past few days, the rapper-turned-presidential candidate has made a string of erratic statements on Twitter and at his first campaign rally. People familiar with the disorder have speculated that West might be going through a manic episode, and pleaded with fans to show him compassion.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.