Sutton Smith, creative director of Smart Rapper, an educational platform for rappers and recording artists in Los Angeles, recently talked with Child Guidance Resource Centers about living with bipolar disorder.

She also offered some opinions on rapper Kanye West and his bipolar disorder.

Smith is a Delaware County native and a former actress (Girl on the Train, W/ Bob and David) and an Ivy League graduate.

Smith said she was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 18.

Through talk therapy, medications, changes in diet, and living a healthier life, she’s been able to get control of her disorder.

Smith urged parents with children exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder to pay  attention to their diet, to avoid sugar, gluten, processed foods and alcohol, which can have a significant impact on mood swings and depression.

“If you can save them 20 years of feeling bad and not knowing why, why wouldn’t you?” she asked.

Parents should not expect a specific path from their bipolar child but value them and their work and trust that they can do things despite the disorder.

She also dismissed the idea that you lose what makes you special if the bipolar disorder is treated.

You can see the entire interview here

Child Guidance Resource Centers in Havertown  is a nonprofit community behavioral healthcare organization providing services to treat and empower children and adolescents and families with behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities, or residential needs.

Find out more by clicking here.