What Is Wrong With Kanye West?

A lot of people are finding rapper Kanye West’s recent antics proof that he may be losing it. Some have mocked him for his rants that range from unintelligible to straight out bizarre. A few (including singer Halsey) have defended him, saying that it isn’t right to make jest of his situation. But the question that is on everyone’s mind is, what is happening to the celebrated hip hop artist?

Kanye’s woes started on Sunday, July 19, 2020, when he kicked off his presidential race with his first campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina.

He had shocked those in attendance (and the rest of the world) when he had revealed that he had urged his wife, reality star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian, to abort North’s pregnancy.

Kanye had said that even though his revelation could lead to Kim divorcing him, he was happy to have fathered North (his first child).

As if wanting to outdo himself, the presidential candidate had gone on to post several tweets the following day, making all manner of claims and allegations, including dishing that his family (specifically his wife and mother-in-law Kris Jenner) had tried to lock him up due to his mental health.

Among other things he said, Kanye had compared his life to that of the main character played by actor Daniel Kaluuya in the 2017 thriller/horror movie Get Out.

The film tells the story of Chris Washington (Kaluuya), a man who meets his girlfriend’s family and experiences hell on earth as her mother turns out to be an unusually gifted psychic who traps him in a psychological abyss.

Kanye had alleged that Get Out is about him, something that isn’t only far-fetched but ridiculously laughable.

As if all of the above weren’t enough, he has banned his mother-in-law from seeing his kids. Neither she nor her daughter Kim has responded to these rants but it is assumed that they are very concerned at the moment.

It is easy to point accusing fingers at the rapper for his erratic behavior and going by his past records, he has always had his fair share of controversy. But what many may not realize is that Kanye may not be himself right now and urgent medical intervention may end his current predicament.

To understand what Kanye is going through right now, we need to take a brief look at the mental illness known as Bipolar Disorder (something he reportedly suffers from yearly).

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

When depression sets in, the person may feel sad or hopeless, losing interest in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may experience euphoria, be full of energy, or unusually irritable.

Treatment is best guided by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (i.e. a psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders.

Since bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, treatment is directed at managing symptoms and may include the following: medication, continued treatment, day treatment programs, substance abuse treatment, and hospitalization.

Judging by Kanye’s recent outburst, it is obvious that he is exhibiting the signs that come with bipolar episodes. If that is true (which events seem to prove), shouldn’t the goal be to intervene rather than criticize?

Singer Halsey, who has revealed that she struggles with bipolar disorder recently called out those who have laughed at Kanye, telling them that his case needs to be taken seriously.

She had said, “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 vilify people with mental illnesses is really not the way to go… this is the exact triggering sh*t that causes people to keep quiet about it.”

Halsey’s words should strike a resonating chord with the public and efforts should be made by his family to help Kanye get through this as this is too crucial a time for him to be left on his own.

God only knows the kind of shame and embarrassment his recent words have caused his family since it was disclosed by someone with close ties to them that they are worried about his mental health. Well, if they plan to do something about it, now is the time.

It is easy to apportion blames and say that the rapper is in full control of his mental faculties but as the saying goes, only the one who wears the shoe knows where it hurts.

Let us all be reminded of the fact that what is happening to Kanye could happen to any of us or our loved ones and family members. We also shouldn’t ignore the fact that when pointing an accusing finger at someone, the other four fingers are pointed back at the accuser.

So, what Kanye really needs right now isn’t condemnation but intervention. Is that too much to ask?