Mariah Carey reveals battle with bipolar disorder

Overview

Pop superstar Mariah Carey is publicly revealing that she has been living with bipolar II disorder for nearly two decades. In an interview with People magazine, Carey says she spent many years in denial and isolation, fearing that the truth about her mental health would be exposed and would harm her career.

She describes this time as a heavy burden she could no longer carry, which led her to seek and accept help.

Public Concern and Diagnosis

The coverage notes that there has long been public concern about Carey’s mental health amid earlier high-profile incidents and breakdowns. Her bipolar II diagnosis is said to date back to 2001, when she experienced a widely publicized emotional and physical breakdown and was hospitalized.

Bipolar II disorder is described as involving mood and energy shifts that can interfere with day-to-day functioning.

Recent Hardest Years and Treatment

Carey also links her decision to share her story to recent years that she says have been among the hardest she has been through. She describes reaching a point where she needed treatment.

According to the report, she is now receiving:

• Medication
• Therapy
• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Healthier eating
• Spending time with her kids
• Continuing the work she loves: writing songs and making music

Motivation: Reducing Stigma

A key motivation for Carey sharing her experience is reducing stigma. She says she hopes others can stop feeling alone, and that bipolar disorder does not have to define people or control their lives.

The segment emphasizes that her openness may help fans better understand her behavior and experiences, earn broader respect, and potentially support her return to making music.

A People editorial perspective adds that Carey previously avoided treatment because she believed stigma could damage her career—but that she has since made peace with the diagnosis and is telling her own story to avoid fear that someone else might reveal it.

Presenters / Contributors

• Amy (journalist/host)
• Michael (journalist/host)
• Jess Cagle (People.com editor-in-chief)
• Robin (panelist; last name not provided in subtitles)
• George Stephanopoulos (ABC News host)