Bebe Rexha is using her platform and personal experience to raise awareness surrounding mental health. The 33-year-old has been open about her bipolar diagnosis in years past and is opening up even more about the importance of crushing the stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
LISTEN NOW: Bebe Rexha opens up about being bipolar
During an interview ahead of her performance at Audacy’s Leading Ladies event on International Women’s Day, the singer-songwriter opened up to Kennedy about what bipolar disorder looks like for her and how she hopes to help other by telling her story.
“I feel like it’s happening every day where we’re breaking the stigma of mental health,” Bebe says. “For me, for the longest time, I just thought I had really bad anxiety and that I was just a b***h. I mean, I am a b***h, when I have to be,” she laughed.
“I felt like I was being traumatized in my own body,” she continued. “I felt like a prisoner of myself. A lot of times we think, ‘Oh it’s just anxiety, it’s this and that,’ and then it turns out, No. It’s not just anxiety. It’s mood stuff, brain chemistry.”
WATCH NOW: Bebe Rexha backstage at Leading Ladies with Karen Carson
Rexha continued on to share the wonderful support she’s received from doctors throughout her journey and how she’s learned taking care of the mind is just as important as the body.
“I’m very grateful to have such a great team of doctors who care,” she said. “I believe that mental health is health. I feel like we focus a lot on physical health and mental health is just as important.”
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.