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Journalism of Courage
Honey Singh’s openness about his struggles with bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms sheds light on the challenges many face in silence.
In his Netflix documentary, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, the rapper recounted experiences of paranoia and delusions, sharing how he would feel terrified of even routine interactions. Singh recalled being invited by Shah Rukh to join him for a tour in the United States. Despite being overworked, he agreed to the offer.
During this tour, he mentioned that he wasn’t in the state to perform but was forced to. “Gradually, I developed symptoms of suspicion and paranoia, someone’s going to frame me or something weird like that. May be they’ll file a case against me. I didn’t really understand what was happening to me. Why was I feeling like this?”
He continued, “Somebody spread rumours that Shah Rukh Khan slapped Honey Singh. That man loves me so much, he could never slap me. Now I’ll tell you what happened nine years ago. When they took me to Chicago for the show, I said, ‘I don’t want to perform’. I was sure that I was going to die during that show. Everyone told me that I should get ready, but I refused. My managers came over, and they said, ‘Why aren’t you getting ready?’ I said, ‘I’m not going’ I went to the washroom, took a trimmer, and I shaved my hair off. I said, ‘How will I perform now?’ They said, ‘Wear a cap and perform’.” Singh revealed.
Singh then grabbed on to his chair, and refused to let go. He started yelling that he didn’t want to perform. “There was a coffee mug lying there. I picked it up and smashed it on my head.”
The singer also disclosed his battle with bipolar disorder and said, “It’s bipolar disorder. There were psychotic symptoms as well. It’s like your mind is in overdrive, and you spiral out of control. You start playing out your dreams in real life. I would get scared even when my maid used to come thinking she’d be laughing at me, she was wiping blood off the floor, etc. It was a weird feeling. I thought I’d never be able to meet my parents again. I saw hell. I wished for death every day.”
Understanding the complexities of bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms is crucial for offering effective support and treatment.
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms is a combination of extreme mood swings and episodes where reality feels altered.” Some early warning signs, according to he,r include:
“Understanding these signs requires awareness of mental health conditions and the differences between psychosis and neurosis,” stresses Khangarot.
According to the psychologist, some effective coping strategies when dealing with bipolar disorder and accompanying psychotic symptoms are:
Education and Understanding: Being open to learning about the disorder, including its signs, symptoms, prognosis, and triggers, helps foster empathy and preparedness.
Support Networks: Joining peer support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional relief.
Structured Routine: Maintaining a consistent schedule for sleep, diet, and exercise helps stabilise mood fluctuations.
Crisis Planning: Families should create a plan for managing episodes, including emergency contacts and steps to ensure safety during psychotic episodes.
The treatment for bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as mood stabilisers like lithium and antipsychotics, notes Khangarot. Regular follow-ups are essential for adjusting dosages. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps challenge delusions and build coping mechanisms. Complementary approaches, like a nutritious diet, exercise, yoga, and breathwork, can improve mental health and reduce stress. Psychoeducation also helps individuals identify triggers and stay committed to treatment plans.
