Kim Kardashian has issued a lengthy statement regarding Kanye West‘s mental health, following a series of erratic Tweets and the rapper/designer’s first presidential campaign rally over the weekend. The 39-year-old businesswoman took to Instagram this morning to publicly discuss her husband’s bipolar disorder for the first time ever.
Kardashian began by touching on the affects of mental illness on an entire family. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand,” the statement reads. She then addressed how a family is essentially powerless in the situation unless the individual is a minor.
“I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions,” she continued. “He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bi-polar disorder. Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times do not align with his intentions.”
During his presidential rally in South Carolina, Kanye revealed that he and Kim considered getting an abortion after finding out she was pregnant in 2012. He also insisted that Harriet Tubman did not free slaves, much to the dismay of those in attendance.
West followed the rally by issuing a barrage of tweets on Monday and Tuesday, proclaiming that his wife and mother-in-law, Kris Jenner, were trying to lock him up due to his behavior. Kardashian, however, is calling for compassion and understanding in light of her husband’s actions.
“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 added. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his 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. Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well-being and for your understanding,” the statement concludes.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.