Halsey Describes Bipolar Disorder as Having a ‘Bunch of Broken Glass’ in Her Brain

A pop star like no other. Halsey (real name: Ashley Nicolette Frangipane) opened up her struggles with bipolar disorder in the September issue of Cosmopolitan magazine on Tuesday, September 3. The 24-year-old described what it’s like being “pretty regular” in an abnormal industry and her battle with mental health.

“I have bipolar disorder, and I get bored of s–t really quickly,” the “Eastside” singer told the outlet. “Music is this thing that I get to focus all my chaotic energy into, and it’s not a void that doesn’t love me back. It’s been the only place I can direct all that and have something to show for it that tells me, ‘Hey, you’re not that bad.’”

The star added, “If my brain is a bunch of broken glass, I get to make it into a mosaic.” Although Halsey has been open and honest as a celebrity, she knows her truth comes with consequence. “I shared a lot about myself, assuming the world would be kind,” she said. “And that hasn’t quite been the case.”

The brunette beauty previously told In Touch that she has no desire to be any old pop star. “I don’t want to be America’s sweetheart or the bad girl or Halsey the anything. I’m more multidimensional than that,” she explained. “Music is the coolest job I’ve ever had, and the only job I ever want to have. It’s the only way I can express myself in a way that people don’t misunderstand.”

Halsey has not had an easy go of things, before and after stardom. She previously talked about being sexually abused and how she was “committed” several times as a recording artist. “It’s been my choice,” she confessed to Rolling Stone magazine back in June. “I’ve said to [my manager], ‘Hey, I’m not going to do anything bad right now, but I’m getting the point where I’m scared that I might, so I need to go figure this out.’ It’s still happening in my body. I just know when to get in front of it.”

We applaud you for your bravery and honesty, Halsey!