Kim Kardashian Is Asking For ‘Compassion and Empathy’ Amidst Kanye West’s Mental Health Issues

In recent weeks, Kanye West has exhibited behavior that is shocking to many.

On Sunday, the rapper made various disturbing and false claims during a rally that he held for his 2020 presidential campaign. At one point he accused American abolitionist Harriet Tubman of “never actually” freeing slaves. He also astonished many when he at one point began to weep openly about his personal life and tearfully made points that seemed to be against abortion.

In response to his behavior, his wife (Kim Kardashian West) posted a statement to her Instagram page asking for “compassion and empathy.”

In a post to her Instagram page, the reality television star requested “empathy” and privacy as she attempts to secure help for her husband’s bipolar disorder.

“As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram story. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it comes to his health.”

Kardashian West said she felt compelled to speak out on behalf of her husband because of “stigma and misconceptions” related to mental health in general.

The SKIMS founder has remained silent about her husband’s behavior in recent months, particularly more recently when he announced his bid for the 2020 presidential election. Since his announcement, the “Yeezus” rapper has gained criticism for his part in potentially influencing an election in which seemingly everything is on the line.

Addressing the situation, Kardashian West explained that misconceptions about her husband are worsened in ways because of his high profile and wealth.

“We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however, we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most. I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this,” she said before thanking her fans for their support.

Since his presidential rally over the weekend, the rapper has displayed symptoms associated with a bipolar person in the throes of a manic episode.

On Monday, West unleashed a series of tweets that lambasted those close to him and accused his wife of attempting to “lock him up.” In one tweet he called his mother-in-law, Kris Jenner, “Kris Jong- Un.”

In the past, West has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder. He has also been vocal about his contempt for medication.

In 2016, West was hospitalized for exhaustion and reportedly placed on a psychiatric hold. At the time, West was on his “Saint Pablo” tour and made comments about being a Trump supporter.

At one point he aired grievances about his relationship with singer Beyoncé claiming that he “was hurt because I heard that you said you wouldn’t perform unless you won Video of the Year over me and over ‘Hotline Bling,’” he said. “Now don’t go dissing Beyoncé, she’s great. Taylor Swift is great. We are all great people. We are all equal. But sometimes we be playing the politics too much and forget who we are just to win. F–k winning, f–k looking cool. F–k looking cool. F–k being cool. F–k all that, bruh,” he said at the time according to Variety.

Here is Kardashian-West’s full statement below.

“As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health.

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

“I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at time can cause strong opinions and emotions. He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bi-polar disorder. Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions.

“Living with bi-polar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his 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 dreams have come true. We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most. I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this. Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well-being and for your understanding.”