Lil Nas X opens up about his bipolar disorder diagnosis, rehab journey, and upcoming music in a candid mental health update.
- June 18, 2026
AceShowbiz - Lil Nas X recently provided an update on his mental health journey, revealing his diagnosis with bipolar disorder and sharing insights on his upcoming music projects. The rapper, known for his hit "Old Town Road," opened up about his experience in a heartfelt video posted on Instagram on June 17, 2026.
In the video, Lil Nas X described spending several months in rehab following his bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2025, after which he has been dividing his time between Atlanta with his family and Los Angeles with friends. He emphasized the importance of grounding himself and managing his mental health with the assistance of both a therapist and a psychiatrist.
The Grammy Award-winning artist admitted that he had suspected he was bipolar for some time but had been hesitant to accept the diagnosis due to concerns about taking medication. He acknowledged the additional challenges he faces, highlighting his identity as Black and gay alongside managing bipolar disorder, framing it as living life on a particularly difficult level.
Despite these challenges, Lil Nas X assured fans that he is feeling much better and more creative, with less anxiety and fear. He expressed gratitude for his current state of well-being and described himself as enjoying the simple pleasures of life, metaphorically “smelling the roses.”
Regarding his music, Lil Nas X revealed that he is in the early stages of working on new material but has not fully immersed himself in the recording process yet. He conveyed enthusiasm about embarking on this creative journey and sharing it with his audience in the near future.
In a related legal development, a Los Angeles judge mandated in April 2026 that Lil Nas X participate in a mental health diversion program due to his bipolar disorder diagnosis following an arrest in August 2025. This program requires him to comply with medical treatment and avoid legal troubles for two years, after which the felony assault charges against him may be dismissed. Additionally, he must refrain from possessing weapons or making threats of violence throughout the duration of the program.
Lil Nas X’s openness about his mental health and ongoing treatment marks a significant moment in his personal and professional life, as he balances recovery with creative ambitions. Fans and followers can look forward to updates as he continues to navigate this path and prepares to release new music in the coming months.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.