'I'm doing much better': Lil Nas X opens up about bipolar disorder diagnosis after rehab
SHERMAN OAKS, CALIFORNIA: Rapper Lil Nas X has returned to social media after nearly a year away, sharing a personal update about his mental health journey and revealing that he spent several months in rehab.
In a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, June 17, the 27-year-old artist opened up about treatment, recovery, and his plans for the future after recently being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The update offered fans a candid look at the progress he has made while stepping away from the spotlight and focusing on his well-being.
Lil Nas X discusses bipolar disorder diagnosis and recovery
"I’ve been in rehab for a few months and since then, I’ve been back at home whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself, friends and what not, and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head," Nas explained.
The singer revealed that he now works with mental health professionals who have helped him after receiving his diagnosis.
"I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful when I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis," he said.
He also admitted that he had been aware of the possibility of having bipolar disorder for years but struggled to accept it because of concerns about medication and how people would perceive him.
"I feel like I had known for like the past few years but I didn’t want to admit to it because I didn’t want to have to take medication and have people think different of me... Black, gay, bipolar. I’m like living life on like extreme hard mode," he said with a laugh.
Bipolar disorder is described as a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels. The condition involves periods of elevated mood and increased activity known as manic episodes, followed by depressive stages marked by sadness and low mood. These periods can affect sleep, thinking abilities, work, school, and relationships.
The rapper shared that treatment has helped him improve his mental health and creative process.
"But on a serious note, I’m doing much better. I’m doing better, I’m feeling better. I’m creating freely and there’s less fear in my heart. I’m just smelling the roses, man. I’ve been doing music for seven years now," he said.
He also revealed that he has new music coming soon and expressed excitement about reconnecting with fans.
"I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter," he said. "We’ve been through so much together. Thank you guys for holding it down. I love you and all I want to do is continue to try to make you guys proud and make myself proud."
Lil Nas X reflects on self-love journey and personal growth
Before stepping away from the spotlight, Nas discussed his insecurities and personal growth journey in an episode of the 'Outlaws' podcast with host TS Madison. During the conversation, he opened up about feeling afraid of public attention.
Nas said, "[I was] a little paranoid, ‘cause I felt like the entire world was against me, I kind of make that up in my head. I had to really go on a self-love journey again and… really accept every single part of me… and stop trying to force change in myself."
His latest update suggests that therapy, recovery, and self-acceptance have played a key role in helping him move forward. As he prepares to release new music, the rapper said he is focused on living with less fear and embracing the next phase of his life.
