Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi has checked himself into rehab to receive treatment for depression, suicidal ideation and anxiety. The recording artist and part-time actor from Cleveland, Ohio, who came to prominence with his 2008 mixtape A Kid Named Cudi and its hit single “Day ’n’ Nite,” was signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music record label and has since gone on to form his own labels, direct music videos and compose film scores.
The rapper posted a message to his fans on his Facebook page yesterday saying how he wasn’t at peace with himself and had been battling suicidal urges.
“I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. I am not at peace,” Kid Cudi wrote in the post. “I haven’t been since you’ve known me. If I didn’t come here, I would’ve done something to myself. I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions everyday of my life. Theres a ragin’ violent storm inside of my heart at all times. [I don’t know] what peace feels like. [I don’t know] how to relax.”
According to Healthline, one in 10 Americans are affected by depression and the number of patients diagnosed with depression increases almost 20% every year. Over 80% of people that have depression issues are not being treated at all. Around 121 million people in the world suffer from this debilitating disorder and usually most are too ashamed to admit they are suffering.
“It’s been difficult for me to find the words to what I’m about to share with you because I feel ashamed,” Kid Cudi wrote in his Facebook status. “Ashamed to be a leader and hero to so many while admitting I’ve been living a lie. It took me a while to get to this place of commitment, but it is something I have to do for myself, my family, my best friend/daughter and all of you, my fans.”
Kid Cudi also announced that he won’t be promoting his new album, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin‘, which has been delayed. The album is still on its way, he informed Complex. And he hopes to make his Nov. 5 appearance at this year’s ComplexCon, but he needs to get his head right first.
“My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it,” he wrote. “I can’t make new friends because of it. I don’t trust anyone because of it and I’m tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling. Why not me? I guess I give so much of myself to others I forgot that I need to show myself some love too. I think I never really knew how. I’m scared, I’m sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, I’m sorry. It’s time I fix me. I’m nervous but ima get through this.”
By taking the time to come to grips with his issues now and get the help that he needs, Kid Cudi is only assuring his future. Falling into a permanent depression can lead to drug addiction, alcoholism and even worse, suicide. When treated accordingly, sufferers from depression can make a full recovery and return to a regular life. Hats off to Kid Cudi for relaxing and admitting his problem publicly. His admission will help to de-stigmatize the act of reaching out for help to treat mental illness.