In the world of contemporary R&B, Kehlani has long been celebrated for a radical brand of transparency that mirrors the complexities of the human heart. However, the “Crash” singer recently peeled back another layer of their journey, opening up about a private battle that many navigate in silence: bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
When chatting with Vibe about how the diagnosis changed her life and “sparked a mental health journey,” Kehlani said, “I got medicated and [did] different forms of therapy [like] somatic healing, but I also gained this tool belt of awareness. I’m starting to recognize my symptoms and triggers. I’m starting to learn what kind of life I have to lead as a person whose mind is different.”
What’s happening in your body
Bipolar disorder primarily affects mood stability, causing shifts between depressive lows and manic or hypomanic highs. These mood swings are linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which influence energy, motivation and emotional responses.
Borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, is rooted in emotional dysregulation, World Psychiatry explains. People with BPD often experience intense mood swings, fear of abandonment and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Neurologically, research suggests heightened amygdala activity and reduced regulation from the prefrontal cortex.
For someone like Kehlani, managing both conditions means navigating overlapping symptoms – such as emotional highs, impulsivity and periods of deep sadness – while learning to distinguish which condition is driving a particular experience.
Common causes
There is no single cause for either bipolar disorder or BPD. Instead, both are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder develops from a mix of genes, brain structure differences and environmental triggers rather than one isolated factor.
Similarly, the Mayo Clinic explains that bipolar disorder is associated with biological differences in the brain, genetic predisposition and external stressors like trauma or substance use.
BPD is more strongly tied to early life experiences, particularly trauma, neglect, or unstable relationships during childhood – factors widely recognized in psychiatric research as shaping emotional regulation and attachment patterns.
Genetic predisposition
The assertion that bipolar disorder is heavily influenced by genetic predisposition is backed by extensive data from the National Institute of Mental Health. Their research highlights that, while the condition frequently clusters within families, it does not follow a straightforward inheritance pattern in which a single “broken” gene is passed down from parent to child.
This means that there isn’t a single “bipolar gene.” Rather, hundreds of small genetic variations across the genome combine to increase an individual’s statistical vulnerability. These genes often influence how the brain regulates neurotransmitters, energy levels, and circadian rhythms (the internal clock often disrupted in mood disorders).
While having a first-degree relative with the disorder significantly increases risk, it is never a guarantee of a diagnosis.
Trauma and chronic stress
Environmental factors play a pivotal role in the manifestation of bipolar disorder. While genetics provides the foundation, high-stress events – such as the loss of a loved one, childhood trauma, or significant life disruptions like divorce or job loss – often serve as the catalysts for the first manic or depressive episode.
This phenomenon is frequently explained by the Diathesis-Stress Model, which posits that a biological vulnerability only manifests as a clinical disorder when triggered by external stressors. The DNA Learning Center explains that chronic stress can affect the brain’s HPA axis (the system that controls your stress response), potentially leading to permanent changes in how the brain regulates mood. Over time, these external triggers can lead to a “kindling” effect, in which the brain becomes increasingly sensitive, making future episodes more likely even without a specific stressful event.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing bipolar disorder and BPD requires a comprehensive mental health evaluation. Clinicians typically conduct physical exams, psychological assessments and mood tracking to determine patterns over time. Treatment generally combines medication and psychotherapy.
Bipolar disorder is considered a lifelong condition, but it can be effectively managed with consistent care. Treatment often includes mood-stabilizing medications, psychotherapy and long-term follow-up to prevent relapse. Long-term treatment is essential. Healthline reports that stopping medication or treatment prematurely can lead to relapse or worsening symptoms, highlighting the importance of consistency. In severe cases, treatment may include hospitalization, outpatient programs or substance use treatment to stabilize symptoms and ensure safety.
Kehlani has emphasized the importance of therapy and self-awareness in managing her diagnoses, reinforcing that treatment is not just clinical – but deeply personal. “I’m just in the process of letting people around me know what [bipolar disorder] really looks like, what I really need, being transparent,” she told Vibe.
“If you see these signs [of] I’m not sleeping, I’m not eating, I’m talking really fast. All of a sudden, I want to pick up 17 new hobbies, and I might dye my hair pink, maybe call me in and tell me I’m tripping. Call my psychiatrist. I’m in crisis.”
Mood stabilizers and medications
The Mayo Clinic identifies mood stabilizers such as lithium, along with antipsychotic medications, as primary treatments used to control manic and depressive episodes. This clinical approach is designed to address the intense emotional fluctuations associated with bipolar disorder, providing a chemical “buffer” that prevents the brain from swinging into extreme states.
While the term “antipsychotic” might sound a bit intense, these medications (such as quetiapine or aripiprazole) are versatile tools. They are often used in tandem with stabilizers to provide rapid relief during acute episodes, WebMD notes. They excel at slowing racing thoughts, stabilizing disrupted sleep patterns, and reining in the high-energy symptoms of mania more quickly than stabilizers alone can.
The ultimate goal of this combined strategy is not just to suppress symptoms during a crisis, but to facilitate a consistent, stable quality of life.
Psychotherapy (DBT and CBT)
Psychotherapy is a core component of treatment. Evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are widely used for BPD, while Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals reframe negative thought patterns and improve emotional regulation.
“Clients need to be aware that CBT places a lot of emphasis on individual beliefs, thoughts and behaviors as the reasons for their problems,” explains Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD. “Unfortunately, it fails to consider that interpersonal relationships may be the cause of their stress. Take a good example of a person who has to deal with an abusive mother. No matter how much you convince the person to change their thinking, the mother will continue being abusive as she isn’t the topic of discussion.”
What triggers a bipolar episode?
In her recent Vibe interview, Kehlani reflected on how certain emotional and environmental factors can trigger mood shifts. She described becoming more aware of how overstimulation, stress and interpersonal conflict can lead to emotional highs or lows. “The biggest trigger that catapulted the worst episodic time period was the beginning of the genocide that we were witnessing [in Gaza],” she shared. “Watching babies get blown to bits should do something to you.”
Common triggers for bipolar episodes include sleep disruption, high stress, substance use and major life changes. Even positive events can trigger mania. Kehlani’s approach has been to identify these triggers early and adjust accordingly.
What is it like living with a bipolar person?
Living with someone who has bipolar disorder can be both rewarding and challenging. It can be incredibly rewarding to witness a loved one’s creativity and strength, yet the challenges are real and often require a specialized emotional toolkit. During stable periods, known as euthymia, individuals often function at a high level, maintaining vibrant relationships and professional success. However, the disorder’s unpredictability means the household atmosphere can shift rapidly depending on the current “pole” of the cycle.
Manic phases may involve increased energy and impulsivity, while depressive phases can bring withdrawal and sadness. Communication, patience and education are essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Set boundaries early. Compassion does not mean self-sacrifice. Ensuring you have your own support system is vital to preventing “caregiver burnout.”
When to see a doctor
Knowing exactly when to see a doctor about potential bipolar disorder can be difficult, as many people initially mistake early symptoms for personality quirks, high productivity or temporary stress. However, the primary clinical indicator is when mood fluctuations begin to interfere with daily life, disrupting your performance at work, your attendance at school or the harmony of your personal relationships.
Mental health experts agree that early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. If mood swings escalate to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, this is a medical emergency. Seek immediate assistance via emergency services or a dedicated crisis hotline.
Bottom line
Kehlani’s openness about living with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder highlights the complexity of mental health and the power of self-awareness. Her story underscores that while these conditions can be challenging, they are manageable with the right tools, support and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kehlani diagnosed with?
Kehlani has shared that she has bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
At what age does bipolar disorder start?
Bipolar disorder often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between ages 15 and 30.
What is the life expectancy of a person with bipolar disorder?
The National Library of Medicine suggests a reduced life expectancy by 11 to 20 years, often due to co-occurring conditions and suicide risk, though proper treatment improves outcomes.
Citations
Abraham M. The Evolution Of Kehlani. VIBE. Published May 15, 2024. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/evolution-of-kehlani-1235158248/
National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Published February 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder
Mayo Clinic. Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Published August 14, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
Leichsenring F, Fonagy P, Heim N, et al. Borderline personality disorder: a comprehensive review of diagnosis and clinical presentation, etiology, treatment, and current controversies. World Psychiatry. 2024;23(1):4-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21156
DNA Learning Center. The diathesis-stress model and bipolar disorder. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. https://dnalc.cshl.edu/view/1982-The-diathesis-stress-model-and-bipolar-disorder.html
Cherney K. What Happens If You Abruptly Stop Your Bipolar Disorder Medication?. Healthline. Published May 5, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/what-happens-if-you-abruptly-stop-your-bipolar-disorder-medication
WebMD. Antipsychotic Medication for Bipolar Disorder. WebMD. Published August 26, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/antipsychotic-medication
Kessing LV, Vradi E, Andersen PK. Life expectancy in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders. 2015;17(5):543-548. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12296