Lil Nas X reveals bipolar disorder diagnosis after months in rehabilitation

Lil Nas X has disclosed that he spent "a few months" in rehabilitation, during which he received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This marks the first time the American pop star has spoken publicly about the incident last summer, which involved a mental health crisis where he was seen wandering Los Angeles streets in his underwear and subsequently assaulted law enforcement officers during his arrest.

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I feel like I've known for years, but I didn't want to admit it because I didn't want to take medication and have people think badly of me.

Taking to social media, Lil Nas X updated fans on his health, promising to be "much better" after being discharged and returning home to his family. He entered rehabilitation in April after a judge dropped assault charges, instructing the 27-year-old, whose real name is Montero Hill, to seek help.

It was during this period that Lil Nas X learned about bipolar disorder, a chronic condition characterized by alternating states of euphoria and prolonged depression. "I feel like I've known for years, but I didn't want to admit it because I didn't want to take medication and have people think badly of me," the artist confessed. He added that his life already had enough "challenges" before this mental health diagnosis, jokingly remarking, "I mean, I'm already Black and gay, like, damn, my God. Gay, bipolar, it's like I'm living life on extremely hard mode."

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I mean, I'm already Black and gay, like, damn, my God. Gay, bipolar, it's like I'm living life on extremely hard mode.

In a more serious tone, he assured fans he is improving and has a new perspective on life. "I feel better, I'm creating freely, and I have less fear in my heart. I'm just enjoying the moment," he stated in a video. He mentioned writing a script for the video, feeling it would be "strange" to return to social media after such a long digital hiatus, especially given his past success on TikTok.

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I feel better, I'm creating freely, and I have less fear in my heart. I'm just enjoying the moment.

While he is not yet ready to return to work, Lil Nas X promised new hits are on the way. "I wanted to tell you that there are new songs coming," he assured, without providing further details. "We've been through so much together. Thank you all for supporting me," concluded Nas X, known for hits like "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" and "Industry Baby." He was the first openly gay man to win a Country Music Association award for "Old Town Road" in 2018.

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I wanted to tell you that there are new songs coming.