Halsey has been upfront about her struggles with mental health over the years, and in a series of early morning tweets on Tuesday (July 21), the singer urged patience and understanding for those who are suffering during a bipolar episode. “No jokes right now,” the singer said without revealing what inspired the comments.
Saying she’s dedicated her career to offering education and insight into bipolar disorder, Halsey noted she’s “disturbed by what I’m seeing. Personal opinions about someone aside, a manic episode isn’t a joke.” More bluntly, Halsey said that if people can’t offer understanding or sympathy, they should try just saying nothing.
Related
Back in May, Halsey — who has discussed being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school — took a deep dive into her mental health struggles in a YouTube Artist Spotlight Stories conversation with psychologist Snehi Kapur as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. During the discussion, she talked about the public perception of mental illness and how the media seems to fetishize it, especially in women.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that typically manifests in two phases: a low phase (depression) and the manic phase (high energy).
Halsey also tweeted that “a lot of people you know” probably suffer from bipolar disorder, warning that making offensive remarks or vilifying them is not the right way to go, and can be the kind of triggering that could cause people to stay quiet about it. “You can hate someone’s actions or opinions without contributing to stigma that damages an entire community of sometimes vulnerable people all for a couple of laughs,” she wrote.
“If you wanna think someone is an a–hole, go ahead. Lots of people with mental illnesses are great,” she said. “Lots of them are a–holes. Because they are people. With nuanced personalities. But making jokes specifically targeted towards bipolar hurts more than the 1 person ur angry with.”
See Halsey’s tweets below.
No jokes right now. I have dedicated my career to offering education and insight about bipolar disorder and I’m so disturbed by what I’m seeing. Personal opinions about someone aside, a manic episode isnt a joke. If you can’t offer understanding or sympathy, offer your silence.
— h (@halsey) July 21, 2020
A lot of people you know probably have bipolar disorder and you aren’t aware of it. Taking this opportunity to make offensive remarks and villify people with mental illnesses is really not the way to go…this is the exact triggering shit that causes people to keep quiet about it
— h (@halsey) July 21, 2020
you can hate someone’s actions or opinions without contributing to stigma that damages an entire community of sometimes vulnerable people all for a couple of laughs.
— h (@halsey) July 21, 2020
If you wanna think someone is an asshole, go ahead. Lots of people with mental illnesses are great. Lots of them are assholes. Because they are people. With nuanced personalities. But making jokes specifically targeted towards bipolar hurts more than the 1 person ur angry with.
— h (@halsey) July 21, 2020
Sincerely, Human Being with a Decade Long Bipolar Diagnosis.
— h (@halsey) July 21, 2020
If you or someone you know needs information or help regarding mental health issues, contact the the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, confidential treatment referral and information is provided 24/7, and is available in English and Spanish.