Kim Kardashian released a statement on Kanye West’s mental health

After a series of erratic tweets from her husband, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West released a statement on her Instagram story about her husband’s mental health, asking for compassion and understanding from the public and referencing her husband’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder as the reason behind his concerning behavior.

Kanye West had announced his intention to run for president of the United States in 2020 on July 4, and at an event billed as a campaign rally on July 19 in North Charleston, South Carolina, West shocked fans when he told the crowd that he and his wife, Kim Kardashian West, had planned to abort their first child, North, and made false statements about Harriet Tubman. He later caused further concern with a serious of tweets about Kardashian West and his mother-in-law, Kris Jenner.

“As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” Kardashian West wrote on her Instagram story on July 22. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”

“But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health,” she continued.

She then explained that while many expected her to step in to get West help, family members have a lot less control over an adult loved one’s mental health than some may think.

“Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behavior know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor,” she wrote. “People who are unaware of or far removed from this experience can be judgemental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try.”

She went on to describe her husband as a “brilliant but complicated person” and referenced challenges he faces, including being a Black artist in the public eye and the loss of his mother in 2007, issues she says are exacerbated by his disorder.

She spoke of West’s immense talents and said that his disorder should not “diminish or invalidate his dreams and creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some.”

“That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true,” she added.

She concluded her statement by calling upon people to “give grace” to the individuals who are living with mental illness in the times when they need it most.

“I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so we can get through this,” she wrote. “Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s wellbeing and for your understanding. With love and gratitude, Kim Kardashian West.”

We’re sending all our best to the entire Kardashian West family during this difficult time.