Selena Gomez shares how misdiagnosis made her mental health battle harder

Selena Gomez has revealed that her path to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder was far more complicated than many people realize, admitting she believes she was initially misdiagnosed while trying to understand her mental health struggles.

The 33-year-old singer and actress spoke candidly about the experience during an appearance on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast alongside her husband, music producer Benny Blanco.

Gomez said she sensed early on that something was wrong but struggled to find clear answers while seeking professional help.

“I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed,” she said. “People were just assuming, and I would try multiple therapists.”

The Only Murders in the Building star described the process of finding the right treatment as extremely difficult, noting that navigating therapy and mental health care can be overwhelming.

“That’s why it’s hard,” she said. “It’s actually really hard when we’re talking about these things. And for me to go get a therapist, all of it is so f****** complicated.”

Gomez revealed she even attended four different rehabilitation programs while trying to better understand her condition, stressing that persistence was key to eventually finding the answers she needed.

Despite the challenges, she emphasized the importance of not giving up while searching for the right support and diagnosis.

During the conversation, Blanco offered insight into how bipolar disorder can sometimes affect Gomez, explaining that there are moments when she experiences manic episodes without immediately realizing it.

“She’ll start to realise she’s having it after it’s happening, and sometimes she doesn’t even remember when it’s happening,” he said.

Blanco added that navigating those moments requires care and understanding because addressing someone directly during a manic episode can be difficult.

However, Gomez said she has become increasingly aware of her symptoms and can now recognize early signs.

“There are times when I’m so hyperaware and I’ll say, ‘I’m feeling a little manic,’” she explained.

The singer also stressed that manic episodes should not be a source of shame, noting that she has learned to recognize and manage them more quickly over time.

Gomez credited Blanco’s support as an important part of that process, saying it helps to have a partner who understands what she is experiencing.

“It is helpful to have a partner that will understand where the temperature is at and meet you where you are,” she said. “Then you gradually understand what’s happening.”

As she continues to learn more about how bipolar disorder affects her daily life, Gomez said the experience has helped her live more openly and with greater self-understanding.