Bebe Rexha announces she has bipolar disorder: 'I'm not ashamed anymore'

'I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I just want you to accept me,' says Rexha

Bebe Rexha attends the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre on 10 February, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. ((Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy))

Bebe Rexha has announced that she has bipolar disorder, telling her fans she wants them to accept her just as she is.

The singer broke the news on Tuesday, writing: "I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed anymore. That is all. (Crying my eyes out.)"

Rexha, 29, explained that "for the longest time" she struggled to understand her symptoms, and why she felt "lows that made me not want to leave my house or be around people" as well as "highs that wouldn’t let me sleep, wouldn’t let me stop working or creating music".

"Now I know why," she added.

The singer said she won't be "holding anything back" on her next album, which she predicts will be her favourite of her career.

"I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I just want you to accept me. That’s all. Love you," she added.

Her announcement has been met with hundreds of messages of support from fans.

Rexha's debut studio album, Expectations, came out in June 2018. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys in February this year.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue, Rethink Mental Illness has free fact sheets and an advice and information phone and email service offering practical support on their website.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch - see www.samaritans.org.

In the US call 1-800-273-8255 or chat online.