Vic Mensa is taking his transparency to a new level by sharing his ongoing mental health journey. In a vulnerable Instagram post titled Mental Health Conversation 02, Mensa discussed a personal journey through his battle with suicidal ideation.
Through a candid video, the rapper recounted some of the darkest moments of his life, including contemplating driving his car off Mulholland Drive and even putting a gun in his mouth. He admitted, “Reality is, I spent most of my life in a state of suicidal ideation.”
“I found a notebook from when I was five years old that said, ‘I hate myself. I want to kill myself.’ It made me realize the grace I got to have for me for surviving that,” Mensa revealed about how childhood trauma. These unaddressed mental health struggles can cast a long shadow over a person’s life.
Yet, as bleak as the conversation may seem, Mensa’s message is one of hope and resilience. Instead, he used the post as an opportunity to show his followers what healing looks like, particularly for those who’ve felt lost or defeated.
He shares how self-talk and meditation were critical tools in his ongoing journey toward wellness. “Something that’s been so vital for me is being vigilant in my self-talk. Not allowing my mind to play negative programs on repeat and replacing those negative programs with positive programs,” Mensa said.
The Chicago rapper also shared advice for those struggling to manage their mental health. “Start with five minutes of guided meditation every day and work your way up.” His intention is clear: to encourage his audience to take control of their mental health journey, even if the first steps are small.
For someone who once prayed for planes to crash just to end his suffering, Mensa’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Today, he uses his platform to encourage others to speak up, confront their own struggles, and pursue healing unapologetically.
Mental health remains a sensitive topic, particularly for Black men who often feel societal pressure to project strength and emotional fortitude. Yet, artists like Mensa are showing that true strength lies in vulnerability and the willingness to ask for help.
The rapper’s openness couldn’t come at a better time. With mental health crises on the rise across all demographics, especially among young Black men, these conversations are essential. They offer a lifeline to those who may feel alone in their struggles.
Vic Mensa ended his post with a powerful question for his followers: “How’s your mental health today? And how do you remind yourself to be grateful for life?” It’s a question we should all be asking ourselves and each other.
Photo Credit: Instagram – VicMensa
