What Does Kid Cudi Think About Mental Health?

Monday, July 7, 2014

January 28th was a big day for mental health in Canada. Also known as Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 28th was a day when people across the country rallied together to raise awareness about mental health issues in Canada. It was such a popular movement that even a few celebrities to the south joined in the conversation, including Ellen DeGeneres!

But mental health doesn’t deserve attention on one day only -– it’s something we should all be comfortable talking about every day, because it impacts everyone.

Easier said than done, right?

Sometimes it can be scary to talk about our own mental health issues because sometimes it can feel like we have a lot to lose by doing so -– friends, family, maybe even a job. Opening up to others can be intimidating when we feel like everything is at stake.

Sometimes it helps when people who have achieved a lot of success, and maybe even fame, step up to the plate and open up about their own mental health. Recently, Complex magazine interviewed Kid Cudi about dealing with depression and why he finally sought help. He had the following to say:

“A year ago I wouldn’t even go to a therapist or psychiatrist. But I gave it a shot. It’s working for me, but it’s not for everyone. I’ve got some problems. [Laughs.] It’s good to talk to someone who helps me see things. I had no other choice.

“I was like, ‘Damn, I have to take pills in order to be OK?’ It bothered me. That was a real good moment after I got off the pills. I started to feel like myself again. I was happy and s—t. I don’t need anything to make me feel good. I just need to get my mind in check and stop trippin’ on bulls—t.”

Kid Cudi recognized that his depression was getting the best of him and finally asked for help, and when the treatment he was getting (medication) wasn’t working for him, he went back to the drawing board and tried another strategy. He learned that it can take time, but feeling better begins with taking one small step in the right direction.

If you’re looking for help, Nexus Youth Services is here for you. You can contact us via our website or by calling 905-451-4655. If you aren’t interested in counselling, we also have a drop-in centre located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library. You can also get your daily dose of Nexus by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and don’t forget to check out our videos on YouTube!

Photo source.