Selena Gomez urges people not to give up as she opens up on impact of misdiagnosis

Selena Gomez has opened up about the impact of being misdiagnosed before she was found to have bipolar disorder.

The Disney star and musician first opened up about the mental health diagnosis in 2020 and gave an update on her life with the condition in a recent episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, alongside husband Benny Blanco.

The Mayo Clinic explains that bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood swings, including highs, also known as mania or hypomania, and lows, also known as depression.

On her journey to getting a diagnosis, Gomez told the podcast: "I knew something was wrong, but I think I was misdiagnosed.

"People were just assuming, and I would try multiple therapists. And that’s why it’s hard. It’s actually really hard when we’re talking about these things."

Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez have been dating in 2023 (Christopher Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)

She added: "And for me to go get a therapist, all of it is so f*****g complicated."

Going on to explain that finding the right diagnosis and treatments took going through 'multiple different people,' the actress stressed: "You can’t just give up."

Gomez and husband Blanco also opened up on her manic episodes.

Manic and hypomanic epsiodes are where somebody becomes more active, energetic or agitated than usual, has a distorted sense of self-confidence and feels they need much less sleep than usual.

Somebody in a manic episode might also be unusually talkative and talk fast, have racing thoughts or jump quickly from one topic to another, be easily distracted and make poor decisions.

The actress has long been candid about her mental health (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

On his wife's manic episodes, Blanco said: "She’ll start to realize she’s having it after it’s happening, and sometimes she doesn’t even remember when it’s happening.

"It’s such a delicate thing because you’re not supposed to technically talk to that person about it while they’re deep in it."

The music producer, who married Gomez back in September, added: "And it’s like, even dating her and she’s so hyperaware, she’ll be like, 'I think I’m feeling a little manic.' "

Gomez added that she's 'not ashamed' of her manic episodes, explaining: "I can catch them a bit quicker.

"But it is helpful to have a partner that will understand where the temperature is at and meet you where you are, and then you gradually understand what’s happening."

Gomez and Blanco began dating in 2023, with the Wizards of Waverley Place star hard-launching their relationship in December that year, where she also revealed that they'd been dating for six months.

In 2024, the pair announced their engagement on Instagram as Gomez, 33, showed off a glittery ring as they embraced each other, with the caption reading: "Forever begins now.."

And in September, the singer and the record producer became Mr and Mrs in a glitzy black-tie event at a private 70-acre estate just north of Santa Barbara, in California.

How to get a second opinion if you think you've been misdiagnosed?

Disagreeing with a doctors diagnosis can make you feel isolated, but there are options and steps you can take if you think you've been misdiagnosed. So here's what you can do:

Talk to your doctor

It sounds obvious but there's no reason why you can't have an open discussion with the doctor that gave you diagnosis. Let them know your concerns and be as honest as you can.

Ask for a referral

You can ask your current doctor to refer you to a specialist to gain an independent review.

Get your hands on your medical records

Asking for a copy of your medical records can take a few weeks so it's important to make the request early if you take this route. You'll need these when dealing with a new doctor or specialist.

Look for an expert in your condition

There's not point going from one general practitioner to another, do your research and find someone who specializes in your specific condition to help minimize the need for another second opinion.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.