Bebe Rexha’s Journey with Bipolar Disorder and the Role of Openness in Mental Health Advocacy

The journey of Grammy Award-nominated artist Bebe Rexha into public mental health advocacy has become a beacon of hope and authenticity for many. Her 2019 disclosure of being diagnosed with bipolar I disorder marked a turning point in not only her own life but also in broader conversations about mental health. Rexha’s openness has contributed to a growing movement advocating for the normalization of mental illness and the destigmatization of seeking help. Though her personal narrative does not cover specific therapeutic methodologies—such as hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, or trauma-informed interventions—her story reflects real-world challenges, coping strategies, and the importance of self-acceptance and treatment compliance. This article draws solely from her public disclosures and statements, offering insights into the lived experience of someone with bipolar disorder and the potential impact of therapeutic engagement and advocacy on mental well-being.

Understanding Bipolar I Disorder and Its Impact

Bebe Rexha’s journey with mental health began with a long struggle to understand the intense emotional and physical fluctuations she experienced. As she described in an April 2019 tweet, she wrestled with periods of profound lows that left her isolated and unmotivated, followed by highs that prevented her from sleeping and caused relentless activity and creativity. These extreme states, both depressive and manic, are hallmark features of bipolar I disorder, a condition characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes. According to research, nearly 2.8% of U.S. adults suffer from bipolar disorder, with roughly 5.7 million individuals affected across the country. When left untreated, it can lead to severe functional impairment and, in the most serious cases, an increased risk of suicide—estimated to affect 25% to 60% of those diagnosed at least once in their lives.

Rexha’s account of symptoms and emotional patterns aligns with clinical descriptions of the disorder, including mood swings, energy fluctuations, and sleep disturbances. The initial uncertainty she felt about her diagnosis is not uncommon. Many individuals with bipolar disorder receive delayed diagnoses due to misinterpretation of symptoms as other conditions or due to fears of stigma, a concern Rexha expressed strongly in her public statements.

The Challenge of Diagnosis and Stigma

A key aspect of Rexha’s narrative is the period of uncertainty and fear surrounding the potential diagnosis. She revealed that while she and her close inner circle, including her therapist and family, were aware of something being “off,” she avoided receiving a mental health diagnosis for a long time. The concern was twofold: fear of being judged and fear of career repercussions. Rexha expressed anxiety about being labeled “crazy,” a term she acknowledged was both stigmatizing and dehumanizing. Her emotional struggle around diagnosis resonates with many individuals with mental health conditions who face similar fears about identity, perception, and professional viability.

The stigma associated with mental health conditions is a critical barrier to well-being and treatment engagement. Rexha’s decision to remain public about her experiences and to share her journey through music and interviews has been seen as an act of bravery. She acknowledged that going public with her bipolar diagnosis was both liberating and freeing. In doing so, she aimed not only to destigmatize mental illness in general and bipolar disorder specifically, but also to remind others that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. “I just want you to accept me,” she wrote in one of her original tweets following the diagnosis, highlighting the core of her message—as one is not diminished by mental health conditions, but rather empowered by openness and acceptance.

Medication, Therapy, and Long-Term Management Strategies

In 2021, Rexha reaffirmed the importance of treatment in her mental health journey, stating that she manages her bipolar I disorder with a combination of medication and a significant amount of therapy. This aligns with the evidence-based, multi-modality approach often recommended in clinical practice. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants are frequently used to manage symptoms, particularly during manic or depressive phases. Rexha’s acknowledgment of medication is crucial, as many individuals refrain from or resist medication use due to misconceptions about it. By naming the drugs she takes (such as Klonopin, a common anti-anxiety medication), she normalizes the use of psychiatry as part of holistic health care.

Therapy, too, plays a foundational role in Rexha’s long-term management. Though the specific therapeutic models she utilizes are not disclosed, her emphasis on regular therapeutic engagement suggests a commitment to cognitive-emotional processing and emotional regulation. Many therapeutic models, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), would align with such a focus, aiming to help individuals understand and manage the automatic thoughts and behaviors tied to mood disorders. Rexha’s statements suggest a consistent therapeutic relationship, providing her with a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore her challenges and progress.

Emotional Expression and Creative Outlet

One of the most profound ways Rexha has managed her mental health is through music and creative expression. Her sophomore album, Better Mistakes, is deeply autobiographical, with songs like “Break My Heart Myself” reflecting her experiences with bipolar disorder. In that track, Rexha references the emotional turbulence of living with the condition and even alludes to statistics about bipolar disorder’s prevalence in the U.S. Through art, she has found a way to normalize her experience, both for herself and for others who may relate to the subject matter.

The role of creative expression in emotional regulation is well-documented in psychology and is often integrated into therapeutic interventions. Individuals with mood disorders often benefit from structured creative outlets as a way to explore, process, and release emotions in a constructive manner. Though Rexha’s method is unique to her musical gifts, it aligns with a broader clinical understanding that creative endeavors can serve as both an emotional anchor and a catalyst for self-reflection and insight.

Body Positivity and Mental Health in a Public Sphere

Revealing her mental health diagnosis was not the only powerful act of self-advocacy Rexha has undertaken. She also addressed the emotional toll of being a woman in a public eye, particularly related to her body image and relationships. Her 2019 Grammy experience became a pivotal moment in her body advocacy when she called out designers for refusing to dress her in a size-8 frame, citing industry expectations that contradicted her actual size. Rexha’s insistence on representing herself authentically aligns with broader principles of mental health care: self-acceptance, authenticity, and the courage to challenge societal norms that perpetuate mental health stigma and low self-esteem.

Though not a direct mental health treatment, the intersection between self-image and mental well-being is clinically significant. Negative body image is a known contributor to poor emotional health and can be exacerbated by societal pressures. Rexha’s public stance on this issue has provided visibility to the broader struggles of women and young adults in maintaining a positive self-image within a beauty-obsessed culture. Her journey of accepting herself despite external expectations supports the idea that mental health improvement is not solely about symptom management, but also about cultivating self-worth and emotional resilience.

The Impact of Public Advocacy on Mental Health Stigma

By speaking openly about her bipolar diagnosis, Rexha has contributed to an ongoing cultural shift regarding mental health acceptance. Her story has validated countless individuals who feel isolated in their experiences, showing them that it is possible to thrive while managing a mental health condition. In interviews, she emphasized that honesty has been a form of liberation: “It was my worst fear all my life: going crazy. I felt like me opening up to my fans was me finally saying, ‘I’m not going to be imprisoned by this.’”

This sentiment aligns with evidence-based advocacy practices in mental health, where public discourse, peer support, and role models are essential for fostering community resilience and reducing stigma on an individual and societal level. Rexha’s advocacy has also been recognized by organizations such as Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which named her for an honor at its inaugural "Mental Health Is Health" event. Receiving public validation from professionals and institutions reinforces the importance of advocacy and encourages more individuals to step forward and share their stories.

A Message of Hope and Empowerment

Despite the challenges associated with bipolat disorder, Rexha has continued to navigate her career and personal life with strength and authenticity. She has emphasized that having bipolar disorder is not a limitation but rather a part of her identity. In an interview with People in May 2021, she stated: “It's a part of me I'm constantly dealing with. It's tough.” Rather than shying away from the reality check, she has embraced the journey of self-management and growth. This mindset—of not seeing mental health conditions as disabilities but as aspects of a multifaceted identity—is increasingly seen in modern psychological thought as a tool for mental resilience.

Rexha’s message is one of empowerment for individuals who may have felt trapped by their symptoms or diagnosis. She has shown that living openly and honestly about mental health can foster a sense of release and enable personal and professional growth. As a mental health advocate, she encourages people to seek the help they need and to be their own cheerleaders. Her advocacy underscores the principle that mental health is not about perfection, but about progress, healing, and self-compassion.

Conclusion

Bebe Rexha’s experiences with bipolar I disorder and her decision to share her journey with the public provide valuable insights into the challenges, coping strategies, and empowerment that can arise from transparent mental health advocacy. Her narrative, while not detailing specific therapeutic approaches like hypnotherapy or trauma-informed care, supports the importance of openness, treatment adherence, and self-acceptance in managing mental health conditions. By integrating medication, therapy, and creative expression into her life, Rexha has demonstrated a commitment to holistic well-being and self-care.

The impact of her story extends beyond personal mental health; it contributes to broader societal discussions about stigma, acceptance, and the value of sharing mental health struggles. Her journey encourages others to embrace authenticity, seek support, and normalize conversations around mental health. As the field of mental health continues to evolve, stories like Rexha’s remain vital in shaping a more compassionate and understanding cultural landscape.