(Photo Credits: DFree from Shutterstock)
Grammy-winning rapper and singer Lil Nas X has shared a candid update on his health, revealing that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder following a turbulent period that included a highly publicized arrest, mental health treatment, and several months in rehabilitation. The artist disclosed the news in a video posted on his Instagram account, where he opened up about his recovery journey and the progress he has made over the past year.
In his video update, Lil Nas X offered more details about his recovery and the support system that has helped him during the past several months. “I’ve been in rehab for a few months, and since then I’ve been back at home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself and friends and whatnot,” he said. “And trying to ground myself down to Earth and get out of my head. I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful.”
The rapper also addressed why he initially resisted seeking treatment. According to Lil Nas X, he suspected for years that he might be dealing with bipolar disorder, but was hesitant to seek treatment because of concerns about stigma and medication. He said he now feels significantly better and more grounded.
“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 have people think differently,” Lil Nas X said.
“I mean, I’m already Black and gay, like, damn, God,” he joked. “Gay, bipolar, like I’m living life on extreme hard mode. But 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. I’m just smelling the roses.”
The artist also expressed optimism about the future, saying that he has returned to creating music and is excited about what comes next. He thanked fans for their continued support and said he hopes to continue making both them—and himself—proud.
The update comes nearly a year after an August 2025 incident in Los Angeles in which Lil Nas X was arrested following erratic behavior that authorities said included alleged confrontations with police officers. Court records later showed that he entered a mental health diversion program, allowing him to receive treatment while addressing the legal case. Several reports noted that medical professionals linked his behavior to an undiagnosed mental health condition. If he successfully completes the treatment program, the charges may ultimately be dismissed.
This is not the first health challenge Lil Nas X has faced in recent years. In April 2025, he revealed that he had been hospitalized after experiencing partial facial paralysis on the right side of his face. While the singer didn’t confirm if he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition that can cause temporary facial weakness or paralysis, he reassured fans at the time that he was recovering and later reported improvement in his symptoms.
Meanwhile, fans and fellow celebrities quickly flooded social media with messages of encouragement after his latest update. Many praised Lil Nas X for speaking openly about mental health, particularly as a Black gay entertainer powering through the pressures of fame.
Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, rose to international fame with the record-breaking hit Old Town Road before scoring additional successes with songs including MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name), Industry Baby, That’s What I Want, and Panini. The openly gay artist has become one of the most visible LGBTQ performers in mainstream music and has been widely recognized for challenging barriers in both hip-hop and pop culture. Fans can follow his latest updates on his official Instagram and X accounts.
Zenith of Inconsequentiality!