Kim Kardashian addresses Kanye West's mental health issues in emotional statement
Kim Kardashian has called for "compassion and empathy" towards her husband's bipolar disorder, after he shared a series of erratic statements in the past few days.
In a lengthy, heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram Stories, the reality television star and businesswoman said she felt compelled to comment because of "the stigma and misconceptions about mental health".
"As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder," wrote Kardashian. "Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand."
She continued: "Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behaviour know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor.
"People who are unaware or far removed from this experience can be judgemental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help, no matter how hard family and friends try."
West recently announced plans to run for presidency, but didn't receive enough signatures to get onto the South Carolina ballot. He shared a number of erratic tweets over the past few days, some of which involved his family, although these have now been deleted.
Kardashian acknowledged that as a high-profile figure her husband is open to criticism and that "his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions". She also called for greater understanding, adding "those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions".
"Living with bi-polar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some," she wrote. "That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.
"We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most.
"I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this."
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