NATIONWIDE — Pop icon Mariah Carey opened up about a 17-year secret — Her battle with bipolar disorder.

"I didn't believe it," Carey told People magazine of her diagnosis. "I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to carry around the stigma of a lifelong disease that would define me and potentially end my career."

The singer told People that she’s has been battling with the mental health condition since being diagnosed in 2001 following a mental and physical breakdown, and said the last couple of years have been her hardest yet.

“Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me,” she told People.

She added on Instagram: "I'm grateful to be sharing this part of my journey with you"

 

 

I'm grateful to be sharing this part of my journey with you. @mrjesscagle @people

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