Mariah’s
Celebrity news After years spent in denial and isolation, the singer has opened up about her condition
brave battle
ariah Carey has revealed for the first time her battle with bipolar disorder, which has shed new light on the behaviour she’s exhibited over the years – from her diva demands and performance pitfalls to her high-profile romances. Sources tell Woman’s Day that after years of denial, the brave 48-year-old songstress is finally taking her illness seriously and has it under control with the help of medication. First diagnosed in 2001, when she was hospitalised for a physical and mental breakdown, Mariah has revealed in an exclusive tell-all that, “until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore.
“I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me, and I got back to doing what I love – writing songs and making music.”
TURNING A CORNER
Mariah is being treated for bipolar II, which is characterised by bouts of depression and hypomania, which can trigger irritability, insomnia and hyperactivity – something she’s managing with medication.
“Finding the proper balance is what is most important,” she says of the doctorprescribed pills.
“I just think it’s better with any type of thing to not go overboard with it. The problem with meds is side effects, but now I’m good. I’m in a good place.” That’s great news to her friends and family. Mariah’s out-of-control antics over the years suggest she’s been anywhere but a “good place”. Accusations of lip syncing, diva demands on the set of The House with Will Ferrell, a succession of infamous feuds – most notably with Nicki Minaj – as well as her controversial E! reality show and a string of high-profile failed romances have plagued the award-winning singer.
EXTREME BEHAVIOUR
Her nasty break-up with former fiance, Aussie billionaire James Packer, after 18 months together, is the stuff of legends. She demanded a $65 million settlement for moving to LA to be near him, and to keep the 35-carat
‘I lived in constant fear someone would expose me’
multimillion-dollar engagement ring. Word is, Mariah walked away with somewhere between $6 and $13 million, which included the sparkler.
Now, the mother-of-two, who shares twins Moroccan and Monroe, six, with friendly ex-hubby Nick Cannon, insists she’s finally in a good place, is getting great medical care and enjoying a healthy lifestyle that includes acupuncture.
“I have access to great medical care. I’m exercising, getting acupuncture, eating healthy, spending quality time with my kids and doing what I love, which is writing songs and making music.”
Adds Mariah: “I’m surrounding myself with positive influences and finally receiving the physical and emotional support that I need.”