SNL’s Pete Davidson shared a bit of advice and insight on his Instagram Story last night, concerning his recently revealed struggles with bipolar disorder and the vehement trolling and backlash he’s been facing for dating Ariana Grande with this condition.
We first found out the couple was dating a few days ago, with their relationship described as “casual,” and that it all “just started” a short time after Grande amicably broke up with Mac Miller. Grande, herself, had to deal with a troll who somehow thought it was acceptable to blame the singer for leaving Miller after his DUI, and blamed the guy for trying to "minimize female self-respect and self-worth by saying someone should stay in a toxic relationship."
Davidson, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016 and described the following year to Rolling Stone as a “fucking nightmare,” has seemingly had enough of the keyboard criticism and hateful trolling he’s encountered in regards to his condition—which he’s managing admirably and beautifully—and his nascent relationship with Grande. His eloquent and inspiring response last night will hopefully lead those bashing the dude to reconsider their behavior.
“Normally I wouldn’t comment on something like this cause like fuck you,” he wrote. While it’s great to read that line in Davidson’s voice, and cathartic to know he’s getting that off his chest—it’s the poignant commentary on mental health that hits the hardest. Davidson might be explaining what life under a condition like BPD is like for himself, but he’s also providing a vastly positive and beneficial statement for every single person out there who doesn’t have a voice, too.
“Just Because someone has a mental illness does not mean they can’t be happy and in a relationship,” he wrote. “It also doesn’t mean that person makes the relationship toxic.” He continued by stating “I just think it’s fucked up to stigmatize people as crazy and say that they are unable to do stuff that anyone can do. It’s not their fault and it’s the wrong way for people to look at things.”
Unfortunately, while mental health issues seem like fun topics of discussion for people who lack immaturity and any relevant experience or insight—a lot of conditions lead to self-harm, or worse. Davidson made sure to check people and made sure to at least make them realize this. “Mental illness is not a joke it’s a real thing,” he wrote. “There’s kids out there killing themselves. And it’s fucking horrific. For all those struggling I want you to know that I love you and I understand you and it is going to be okay.”
