Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco openly discussed their efforts in managing her bipolar disorder, which sometimes involves experiencing ‘manic episodes.’
The 33-year-old actress, who recently revealed plans to start a family with the record producer, opened up about the topic during the latest episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast.
The conversation unfolded as Gomez joined Blanco, along with co-hosts Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco, to delve into the topic of mental health.
During the discussion, the “Eastside” singer inquired whether Gomez sensed she had bipolar disorder prior to her formal diagnosis.
“I sensed something was amiss, but I believe I received an incorrect diagnosis initially,” she revealed, acknowledging that the path to an accurate diagnosis was incredibly challenging.
“It’s so difficult that you simply cannot give up. Discovering what helps is crucial, and I’m thankful for attending four different rehabilitation centers, as each contributed to my understanding.”
Selena Gomez, 33, and Benny Blanco candidly shared how they both work through her bipolar disorder which include ‘moments of mania’; seen in January in Beverly Hills
‘It’s so hard that you just can’t give up. You have to find these things, like I’m so grateful I went to four different rehabs because it all helped me understand it,’ she said
Blanco further remarked, “What’s astonishing is that even Selena experiences moments of mania without realizing it at times.”
The music artist added that the former Disney channel star will ‘start to realize she’s having it after it’s happening and sometimes she doesn’t even remember when it’s happening.’
He explained that ‘it’s such a delicate thing because it’s like, you can’t really – you’re not supposed to technically talk to the person really about it while they are deep in it.’
However, Blanco pointed out that Gomez is ‘hyperaware’ when she is starting to have an episode.
‘She’ll be like, “I think I’m feeling a little manic,”‘ he said, with the actress adding that she is ‘so proud’ that she is able to openly talk about dealing with ‘moments of mania.’
The star further explained that she is ‘not ashamed at all’ and can now catch the moments ‘quicker.’
She then applauded Blanco for being a ‘partner that will understand where maybe the temperature is at and meet you where you are.
‘And then you kind of gradually understand what’s happening,’ Gomez said.
Blanco then added, ‘The crazy thing is even Selena will have moments of like, she’s having mania and she doesn’t know’
The star further explained that she is ‘not ashamed at all’ and can now catch the moments ‘quicker;
She then applauded Blanco for being a ‘partner that will understand where maybe the temperature is at and meet you where you are’
Following her diagnosis, the Only Murders In The Building expressed that she is now able to live ‘freely.’
Gomez explained she was able to finally understand why she would react differently in certain situations.
‘I would act out of fear and I would act out of love, I’d act out of passion, it was all inconsistent. It was crazy.’
Back in 2020, Gomez publicly announced her bipolar disorder diagnosis while appearing on Miley Cyrus’ Instagram Live series Bright Minded.
She admitted at the time to feeling both ‘terrified and relieved’ but was happy to have answers as to ‘why I had suffered with various depressions and anxieties for so many years.’
During an interview with Hoda Kotb in 2024, the actress revealed that she felt ‘freedom’ when she revealed her diagnosis.
‘I think, life can get distracting, and there’s so much noise. Titles don’t scare me anymore because I claimed my own story. I told my own story. And, I felt freedom from it.’
She also touched on the topic of her advocacy for mental health last year while talking to Billboard.
‘I would act out of fear and I would act out of love, I’d act out of passion, it was all inconsistent. It was crazy,’ she recalled
‘I remember when I decided to be open about my own personal mental health, it was scary to be that vulnerable and I didn’t ever want anyone to think I am a victim,’ the Wolves singer said.
‘I thought [that] by sharing my own story I could help others, and I will take any negative opinions that come with that because I see the bigger picture of how the conversations have changed around mental health.’
Back in 2014, Gomez had been diagnoses with lupus which is a chronic autoimmune condition where ‘the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs,’ per Mayo Clinic.
Three years later, she underwent a kidney transplant.
The star later expressed that she developed anxiety and started getting severe panic attacks.
And before her bipolar disorder diagnosis, she sought treatments over the years including in 2016 which caused her to cancel her Revival Tour at the time.
Gomez notably launched the Rare Impact Fund ‘as part of her commitment to addressing mental health and self-acceptance,’ per the official website.
She also holds an annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit which offers workshops and discussions surrounding mental health.
‘I remember when I decided to be open about my own personal mental health, it was scary to be that vulnerable and I didn’t ever want anyone to think I am a victim,’ the Wolves singer said; seen in January
Also during the latest episode on Tuesday, Gomez revealed the type of family she hopes to have in the future – including a dinner table surrounded by her adult kids one day; seen in 2025 in Beverly Hills
Gomez and Blanco tied the knot last year during a romantic ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.
The record producer launched the Friends Keep Secrets podcast late last month with Lil Dicky and his wife.
Also during the latest episode on Tuesday, Gomez revealed the type of family she hopes to have in the future with Blanco – including a dinner table surrounded by her adult kids one day.
She explained that she was inspired by the Christmas movie The Family Stone which stars the late Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker.
