Lil Nas X Shares Mental Health Journey
Pop sensation Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Hill, has provided an update on his mental well-being, stating he is now "doing much better" and experiencing "less fear in my heart." This follows a challenging period that included an arrest last August.
In a candid three-minute video posted on Instagram, the musician disclosed that he had spent "a few months" in rehabilitation before returning to his family in Atlanta. This marks his first significant public statement since last summer, when he faced charges for allegedly assaulting Los Angeles police officers after being found walking in his underwear. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Bipolar Diagnosis Leads to Mental Health Program
In April, a court approved the 27-year-old artist's entry into a mental health program, which is expected to lead to the dismissal of the charges against him. This eligibility stemmed from a subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The presiding judge noted that Hill's behavior during his arrest was "aberrant from his normal conduct."
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by significant shifts between periods of elevated mood and episodes of depression.
Hill admitted in his Instagram video that he had suspected his diagnosis for several years but was reluctant to accept it. "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, I don't know, have people think different of me," he explained.
He humorously added that he felt his life already presented enough difficulties. "I mean, I'm already black and gay, like, damn, God," he quipped. "Gay, bipolar, like I'm living life on extreme hard mode."
However, on a more serious note, he affirmed, "I'm doing much better, I'm feeling better, I'm creating freely, and there's less fear in my heart. I'm just smelling the roses."
Future Plans and New Music
In the video, Hill appeared healthy and composed, speaking from prepared notes in front of a clear blue sky. He acknowledged feeling "awkward" and nervous after his extended break from social media.
Lil Nas X rose to global fame with his breakout hit 'Old Town Road,' a fusion of country and rap that set a record by spending 19 weeks at number one on the US charts and earned him two Grammy Awards. He continued to push genre boundaries with tracks like 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' and 'Industry Baby,' solidifying his status as a queer icon and a master of social media engagement.
While he indicated he wasn't yet ready to fully re-enter pop stardom, Hill assured fans that "new music is on the way."
"I've been doing music for seven years now," Lil Nas X stated, transitioning topics towards the end of his message. "I wanted to let you guys know there is new music on the way." He concluded by thanking his fans: "We've been through so much together. Thank you guys for holding me down. I love you and all I want to do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud."
Source: Lil Nas X says he's 'feeling better' after rehab and bipolar diagnosis