Lil Nas X opens up about his bipolar diagnosis: I'm living life on extreme hard mode
Los Angeles, June 18
Rapper Lil Nas X, known for his songs such as "Old Town Road" and "Montero", has talked about his bipolar disorder diagnosis and has now shared that he spent "a few months" in rehab.
The 27-year-old rap star was arrested in Los Angeles in August 2025, after he was found wandering the streets of the city in the early hours of the morning, and he checked into rehab.
The "Thats What I Want" hitmaker, who was charged with causing injury to a police officer, and for resisting arrest, said on Instagram: "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 and friends, trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head."
He shared that he was reluctant to discuss his diagnosis in public, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
The music star, whose real name is Montero Hill, said: "When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, 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.
"I mean, I'm already black and gay. Damn god, give me like - come on, black, gay, bipolar? I'm living life on extreme hard mode."
He said that he's now in a much better headspace compared to last year.
The rapper, who will have the charges dismissed if he continues his treatment for the disorder and obeys all laws for the next two years, said: "On a serious note, I'm doing much better, I'm feeling better, I'm creating freely, and there's less fear in my heart, and I'm just smelling the roses."
The Grammy-nominated artist subsequently confirmed that he's been working on new music over recent months.
The rapper, who hasn't released an album since Montero in 2021, said: "I'm excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter. Thank you guys for holding it down. And I love you, and all I want to do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I admire his honesty but honestly, he needs to take responsibility for his actions too. He hurt a police officer and resisted arrest - mental health issues explain behavior but don't excuse it. Glad the court is giving him a chance with treatment instead of just punishment. That's a progressive approach we could learn from in India.
"Living life on extreme hard mode" - what a line! But seriously, it's good he's getting help. Mental health is no joke. We need more famous people to talk about this openly so regular folks also feel comfortable seeking help. In our country, people still think visiting a psychiatrist is shameful. 😔
I'm from the US and I'm glad he's getting the treatment he needs. The intersection of his identities - Black, gay, now bipolar - must be incredibly tough. It's refreshing to see a celebrity be this vulnerable. Hope his next album reflects this journey of healing. ✨
As someone with bipolar disorder myself, this story really resonates. The medication fear he mentioned - I went through that too. But once you accept it, life becomes manageable. In India, we need to normalize therapy and medication for mental health conditions. Proud of him for speaking out. ❤️
I appreciate the honesty, but I'm a bit worried about how he handled the arrest. That said, the fact that the court is focusing on treatment rather than punishment shows real progress. Mental health care should be about rehabilitation, not just punishment. Hope he continues to heal and create more music. 🎵
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