Why Should I Care About Kim and Kanye’s Story?

Please see the update at the bottom of the article.

So, my publicist said that I should write about the current situation between almost-divorced Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Mentally, I facepalmed. I’m on a strict gossip diet. Like, if gossip were food, my body fat percentage would be 4%. (Oh, if only gossip were food.) Why should I care about Kim and Kanye’s story? But she knows me, and I trust her. So, I started reading, and believe me; I had to do a lot of reading to get caught up. I get it now.

Now, I don’t know the details of what’s happening. Most of what gossip mags say is untrue. And, these two people’s lives are not my business. But, there are things that they have displayed or posted, and the picture they paint is a lesson and a warning to those who are pursuing healthy relationships. I’ll focus on what we can learn and stay away from the rest.

Kanye West has stated that he has bipolar disorder. And that he doesn’t stick with his treatment plan. Bipolar disorder is a genetic illness that affects a person’s ability to regulate mood. All people with bipolar disorder have the same three kinds of episodic mood swings: depression, mania, and a mixed episode called dysphoric mania, in which a person is depressed and manic at the same time. Man, that sounds rough.

Kanye is like anyone with bipolar disorder who is not getting adequate treatment. He does well for a while, and then the illness creeps up, and a new manic episode begins. This isn’t new for him, and if you read what medical experts are saying about this situation, that’s what seems to be happening now. Can you imagine what this must be like to live with? Or be married to someone who has it who isn’t controlling it with medical help? Maybe you do, and if so, I feel for you, Friend. Here is how people who have it describe it. 

With some grace, patience, and a suitable medication plan in place, people with bipolar disorder can have loving and productive relationships. But, compliance is a choice, and everyone has the right to do what they want. However, they must understand that their choices have consequences and risk alienating and possibly even losing people and things they love.

If you have the condition, be careful in starting a relationship for your sake and others. Just like with anyone else, time is your friend. Have you demonstrated that you can manage this over time? Has your partner experienced all aspects of the condition and how it affects you? Do they demonstrate grace and understanding while holding you accountable for doing what you can control?

There’s a separate aspect of this situation not related to the above that warrants discussion. Many are concerned about Kim’s safety due to how Kanye is acting. Do I know if he’s dangerous? No, I don’t. But someone close to him knows. And, I hope that if he is, they do the right thing for everyone involved. Kim likely knows, too. Unlike the average woman, she has resources to protect herself and I hope that she employs them if she knows that she should.

As for us, let’s be kind and only believe what we know to be true, be empathetic to both of their situations and pray for them. I hope the best for both Kanye and Kim. And especially for their beautiful children.

Here’s something I wrote about how I was once the subject of gossip.

Never Lonely With Me

Update: I’m aware that this situation has escalated, and is not just about relationship and advice. Please be careful out there, beautiful ones.

• If you feel immediately threatened, call 911.

• In addition, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7.
  • Call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
  • Their website has valuable information to identify abuse, get help, and make plans for safety.
  • If you visit any website related to abuse, remember to clear your browser history. Here’s how.

• Here is a practical article concerning stalking. It helps you determine if you are being stalked, and what to do about it.