Mariah Carey Opens Up About Being Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder

Mariah Carey on bipolar disorder diagnosis: "I lived in denial and isolation."

In a new People magazine cover story Mariah Carey revealed, for the first time, her diagnosis with bipolar II disorder and why she finally decided to seek help.

"I'm grateful to be sharing this part of my journey with you," the legendary singer wrote on Twitter Wednesday morning. For years, she says she shied away from her diagnosis, but now she's proud to share her story.

Carey said she was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001, following her hospitalization for a breakdown and that she recently sought treatment after it plagued her professional and personal life. Carey told People she is now in therapy and taking medication for bipolar II, a disorder which can involves periods of depression and hypomania.

"Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me," she said in the interview. "It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn't do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love -- writing songs and making music."

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Carey said she's in a "really good place" right now and that "I'm hopeful we can get to a place where the stigma is lifted from people going through anything alone." She added, "It can be incredibly isolating. It does not have to define you and I refuse to allow it to define me or control me."