Kanye West has publicly acknowledged the significant role his wife, Bianca Censori, has played in his mental health recovery. In an email interview with Vanity Fair, published on January 27, 2023, West discussed the challenges he faced during a recent mental health crisis, highlighting Censori’s support as crucial in his healing process.
In his ad in the Wall Street Journal on January 26, West revealed that he had been experiencing a manic episode that lasted four months, which culminated in a change to his medication. This shift resulted in a severe depressive episode. He stated, “Toward the end of my four-month-long manic episode, my medication was changed. In that shift, the antipsychotic drug took me into a really deep depressive episode.”
Censori recognized the signs of his struggle and encouraged West to seek help from a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland. West emphasized the importance of understanding bipolar disorder, describing it as “one of the most lethal nonterminal illnesses.” His situation is compounded by a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in 2003, which he believes contributed to his diagnosis and subsequent behavior, including making controversial comments for which he later apologized.
Reflecting on the impact of his mental health on personal relationships, West expressed how manic episodes distort perception. “When you’re manic, you really don’t think that you’re sick,” he explained. “You think that everyone else is deeply overreacting.” His previous marriage to Kim Kardashian suffered as a result of these episodes, leading to her feelings of emotional and financial instability. Kardashian has shared that the unpredictability of West’s condition was a major factor in her decision to divorce.
West credits Censori, whom he married three years ago, with helping him hit “rock bottom” and finally seek professional help. “My wife encouraged me to finally get help,” he wrote in the WSJ ad. He now reports being on a positive path, attributing his progress to a structured treatment regimen that includes therapy, medication, and a focus on clean living.
“As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living,” he stated, “I have newfound, much-needed clarity.” West is now channeling his energy into creative projects, including music and design, aiming to produce positive, meaningful art.
West’s story is part of a broader narrative in the entertainment industry, where numerous celebrities have begun to openly discuss their mental health struggles. This trend not only helps to destigmatize mental illness but also encourages others to seek help.
In sharing his experiences, West joins other artists who have bravely confronted their mental health challenges. The dialogue around mental health, particularly in high-pressure environments like the music industry, continues to gain momentum, fostering a culture of openness and support.
As West moves forward, his journey emphasizes the critical importance of support systems in recovery. His relationship with Censori has proven to be a significant source of strength, underscoring the impact that loved ones can have in the healing process.
