Chappell Roan, an indie-pop artist known for her powerhouse voice, genre-defying tracks, and unapologetically bold stage presence, has been candid about her journey with bipolar disorder. She’s not only making waves in the music industry after the release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, but she’s also an advocate for mental health awareness—reminding fans worldwide that success and joy are possible with the right support.
Think of Your Diagnosis As Part of You, Not All of You
Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan was first diagnosed with bipolar II disorder in 2022. Her diagnosis was initially frightening, but she slowly began to embrace bipolar disorder as part of her story rather than something that defined her.
Learn from Roan by reframing your diagnosis as one aspect of your identity rather than the entirety of who you are. Taking the time to learn about your symptoms and understand your treatment options can help you map a path forward that isn’t limited by your mental health struggles.
Find Your Champions
In interviews, Roan often highlights the importance of her support system—which includes family, friends, and mental health professionals. Having people in her corner allowed her to pursue her dreams with a foundation of trust and care. This was especially important to her as a queer young woman raised in a conservative Christian household.
Ask yourself who your key supporters are—friends, family, support groups, or healthcare providers. If your circle feels small, consider joining online communities for people with bipolar disorder or exploring local support networks. Having multiple points of connection can make all the difference in tough moments.
Lean Into Self-Expression and Creative Outlets
Roan began playing the piano as a pre-teen and performed publicly for the first time at age 13—winning her school’s talent show. Now, songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “Red Wine Supernova” explore themes of love, identity, and struggle. Her bold, colorful performances showcase her commitment to being authentically herself—and her artistry has become a powerful form of self-expression.
For people with bipolar disorder, creative activities can be a way to process emotions, build confidence, and find joy. Your version of creativity doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to feel meaningful. Explore different forms of self-expression—singing, playing an instrument, dancing, painting, drawing, etc.—until you find what resonates with you.
Give Yourself Time to Rest and Recharge
Roan is also a vocal advocate for rest and self-care. She’s shared that taking time to recharge is essential to maintaining her energy and preventing burnout—and discussed in a recent People article how social media and a lack of sleep triggered one of her episodes of hypomania.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that self-care is selfish. Listen to your body and mind. If you’re feeling drained, allow yourself permission to take a step back. Prioritize restorative activities like mindfulness exercises, naps, or time spent with calming hobbies.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Peace
Whether it’s setting limits on work or social commitments, boundaries help Roan protect her mental health and focus on what matters most. For example, one of her Instagram posts about overeager fans reads, “I chose this career path because I love music and art and honoring my inner child, I do not accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path, nor do I deserve it.”
Communicating your needs clearly to others can help you maintain stability. Identify where you need stronger boundaries—this could mean saying no to additional projects when you’re feeling overwhelmed or carving out quiet time to decompress after social engagements.
Celebrate Every Win—Even the Small Ones
Roan’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. Her success was built through years of small steps, from writing songs in her bedroom to performing on bigger stages. She stayed motivated by celebrating each step she took as part of her journey to become the musician she wanted to be. She had a plan—and she didn’t let anyone hold her back.
Small wins can build momentum and remind you that you’re moving forward. Take a cue from Roan’s success and track your achievements, no matter how small they first appear. Whether you’ve reached out to a support group or completed a creative project, acknowledge your progress and reward yourself accordingly.
Believe in Your Worth and Your Future
At the heart of Roan’s story is the belief that her dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how long the journey takes. By accepting her bipolar disorder diagnosis and seeking support, she’s proven that living boldly and achieving your goals is possible.
Remind yourself of your goals and values regularly. Vision boards, positive affirmations, or guided meditation can help reinforce your belief that your dreams are valid. Surround yourself with reminders that you are capable of extraordinary things.
Your Path to Success Starts Today
Roan’s journey from a small-town girl to a celebrated performer and mental health advocate demonstrates that bipolar disorder does not define your potential. Your dreams are still within reach—and just like Chappell Roan, you have the strength to achieve them.
At Eagle View Behavioral Health in Bettendorf, Iowa, we provide evidence-based treatment options tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for therapy, support groups, or medication management, we’re here to help you take the next step toward living the life you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential assessment.
