Doja Cat is opening up about her mental health struggles.
The 30-year-old pop star revealed through TikTok on Friday (March 13) that she has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
“I’ve learned from a very young age to pretend that I like stuff, to pretend that I’m happy, to pretend that I don’t like stuff that I do, to appear like everything is okay,” Doja said in the video. “I’ll get it done. And it caught up with me, and I think it always does for people. I’m now struggling with BPD.”
Borderline personality disorder “is a mental health condition that affects the way people feel about themselves and others,” according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition can make it difficult to function in everyday life and “includes a pattern of unstable, intense relationships, as well as impulsiveness and an unhealthy way of seeing themselves.”
Doja added that she has been “struggling” with BPD for “probably forever” and that it has been “agonizing.” “I’ve been in therapy for years now, and I am so relieved and so proud of myself,” she said. “I’ve made it so far and I still make mistakes, but it is an eight-year process of curing, treatment and healing.”
This isn’t the first time Doja Cat has opened up about her mental health. The “Kiss Me More” singer told Rolling Stone in 2021 that she struggles with ADHD and dropped out of high school at 16 because of it.
“It felt like I was stuck in one spot and everybody else was progressing constantly,” she said at the time.
In her TikTok video, Doja also defended Chappell Roan following the artist’s recent run-in with paparazzi at Paris Fashion Week, praising her for staying true to herself.
“I had to learn how to be honest,” Doja said. “I had to learn how to be honest with myself. I lied to myself for years, for most of my life, and to see her sit there, and I love it. I love that she can do that without hurting people. She hasn’t hurt one person by being herself, and that shows that I can do the same.”
Doja added that she respects Roan for embracing her discomfort and standing up for herself. “She can be uncomfortable, comfortably in front of people, and protect herself and be honest,” Doja said.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s national helpline 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call or text 988 to get connected to trained counselors.
