Lil Nas X revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“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 whatnot — and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” the “Old Town Road” singer said in a candid Instagram video message Wednesday.
“I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful when I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis,” he shared.
Lil Nas — born Montero Hill — said he felt like he had “known for the past few years” that he had a mental health condition, but he “didn’t want to have to take medication and have people think different[ly] of me.”
“I’m already Black and gay. Like, ‘Damn, God.’ Black, gay, bipolar. I’m like living life on like extreme hard mode,” the “Industry Baby” hitmaker, 27, said with a laugh.
“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,” he explained.
“I’m just smelling the roses, man. … I’ve been doing music for seven years now.”
Lil Nas told his viewers that he has new music on the way.
“I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter. We’ve been through so much together,” he added.
“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 concluded.
Celebrities and fans flooded the two-time Grammy winner’s Instagram comments section with positive remarks regarding his revelation.
“and proud of u bubba 🫶🏼,” wrote singer Kehlani.
“I am so proud of you babe!!! ❤️❤️❤️,” added Taraji P. Henson.
“👏👏👏👏👏,” said Andy Cohen.
“‘Extreme Hard Mode’ is so honest. So proud of you. 🫂,” commented singer Durand Bernarr.
“Men’s health deserves better. Queer Men’s health deserves better. Black Queer Men’s health deserves better. Take care of yourself 🫶,” added a fan.
“Don’t let THEM box you in!!! You are a gift and everything that comes with you is a gift!! Don’t take life to seriously, no one ever makes it out alive!!! 🖤✨🫶🏽,” wrote another netizen.
Lil Nas’ diagnosis comes nearly a year after he was seen roaming the streets in Los Angeles while only wearing white underwear and boots.
The pop star was arrested at the scene after he allegedly punched a cop in the face before he was hospitalized.
He was charged with four felonies, including battery with injury on a police officer and resisting an executive officer, after he allegedly attacked cops who were trying to detain him.
Lil Nas pleaded not guilty to the charges and in April, a California judge granted him entry into a mental health diversion program.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
