Kanye West Apologises for Anti-Semitic Remarks, Cites Bipolar Disorder; How Does the Condition Affect Behaviour?

Kanye West has issued an apology following many years of erratic behaviour and deeply antisemitic rants. The 48-year-old rapper and businessman shared an open letter titled "To Those I've Hurt" as a full-page

advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, claiming bipolar disorder caused all issues. West recalled a 2002 car accident that “broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain,” saying that the interior neurological damage “went unnoticed” until 2023. “That medical oversight caused serious damage to my mental health and led to my bipolar type-1 diagnosis,” he wrote. West also detailed his experience with the neurological condition and how the mental illness sent him into a manic state that he was not able to grasp.

Lost touch with reality

In the letter, West said he was labeled “crazy” while people “joke and laugh” about the condition. He cited research from the World Health Organization and Cambridge University stating that individuals with bipolar disorder have a shorter life expectancy than the general population, emphasizing its seriousness. He claimed the disorder made him feel as though seeking help was not necessary. “I lost touch with reality,” wrote West. West has also publicly announced his adult ADHD diagnosis.

West’s anti-semitic rants

West has made antisemitic remarks, attacking the Jewish population, after which many high-profile advertising companies ended their association with him. He was also sued by a former employee who alleged in a complaint that he compared himself to Hitler and threatened her because she was Jewish.

What is bipolar disorder?

Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood condition – a mental health issue that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behaviour. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and interrupt your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. There are a few types of bipolar disorder, which involve experiencing significant fluctuations in mood, referred to as hypomanic/manic and depressive episodes. However, people with bipolar disorder aren’t always in a hypomanic/manic or depressive state. They also experience periods of normal mood, known as euthymia.Also read: Therapy Speak Everywhere: Is Gen Z Over-Diagnosing or Self-Aware?

Manic episodes triggered by bipolar disorder

A key feature of bipolar I disorder is manic episodes. Doctors say even one manic episode in your life that may last for a week enables the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Mania happens when you have a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, apart from extreme changes in emotions, thoughts, energy, talkativeness, and activity level. Those in manic states indulge in activities that cause them physical, social, or financial harm, such as suddenly spending or gambling extreme amounts of money or driving recklessly. They also occasionally develop psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations.

What causes bipolar disorder?

While it is not exactly known what causes bipolar disorder, scientists believe there is a strong genetic component. However, just because you have a biological relative with bipolar disorder doesn’t necessarily mean you will also develop it. Other factors that scientists think contribute to the development of bipolar disorder include:

• Changes in your brain
• Environmental factors like trauma and stress