Lil Nas X is speaking publicly about his bipolar diagnosis, saying he avoided accepting it for years because he feared medication and the way people might see him afterward.
The rapper addressed fans in an Instagram Reel on Wednesday, reflecting on his mental health since his August arrest in Los Angeles and describing a period of treatment, therapy, and trying to steady his life again.
What Lil Nas X said about his diagnosis
“When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, I feel like I had known for 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,” he said.
He framed the admission with the kind of humor that tends to carry a little weight behind it.
“I’m already Black and gay, like damn, God. Come on, Black, gay and bipolar? I’m living life on extreme hard mode,” he said.
Then he turned more serious, telling fans he is in a better place now.
“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 smelling the roses,” he said. “I’ve been doing music for seven years now.”
Treatment, therapy, and getting grounded
Lil Nas X said he spent “a few months” in a rehab facility. Since leaving, he has been spending time between Atlanta, where he is with family, and Los Angeles, where he spends time alone and with friends.
“Since then I’ve been back at home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family, or in Los Angeles with myself and friends or what not and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” he said.
He added that he now has both a therapist and a psychiatrist, which he described as “really helpful.” It is a small detail, but an important one. For a public figure whose career has often been filtered through spectacle, controversy, and internet reaction, naming the actual support system is more useful than pretending wellness arrives fully lit and camera-ready.
The legal case still matters
The comments come after Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty to four felonies tied to his Aug. 21 arrest. He was taken into custody after being spotted wandering Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles in his underwear and cowboy boots.
In April, a judge said the charges would be dropped if he complies with a treatment plan and obeys all laws for the next two years.
That legal backdrop matters, even if the Instagram Reel focused more on recovery than court procedure. His message to fans placed the incident inside a broader conversation about treatment, mental health, and what comes next.
New music is also on the way
Lil Nas X also told fans he is preparing to release more music, though he did not give full details.
“Speaking of music, I want to let you guys know there’s new music on the way,” he said. “I’m not getting completely to it just yet but I’m excited to do that.”
Smiling near the end of the Reel, he thanked supporters for staying with him and pointed toward what he called a new chapter.
“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, and love you. All I wanna do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud. Let’s go, Dreamboy.”
