On Thursday, March 20, Vic Mensa took to Instagram to share a deeply personal video about his battle with mental health and how he’s learned to cope with depression. The Chicago rapper, known for his candid approach to difficult topics, gave fans an inside look at his emotional journey, starting with his second Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
In the clip, Mensa reveals that while he’s been sober for several years, he recently discovered that his addictions stemmed from a lifetime of battling depression. Sitting in his car, Mensa explains how he’s been prescribed a variety of medications to manage his mental health, including Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor, and Lexapro. Despite trying these medications, he candidly admits, “none of that sh*t worked.”
Alternative Approaches and Finding Solace in Meditation
While traditional treatments didn’t provide the relief he sought, Mensa explored other methods in search of healing. He mentioned undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a treatment designed to “zap the depression away,” but again found no lasting success. Turning to alternative therapies, the rapper tried ketamine infusions and Ayahuasca, along with smoking toad venom, all in an attempt to “beat his brain” and find clarity.
Despite the challenges, Mensa found solace in meditation, which he now considers essential to his mental well-being. “Meditation is like my medication,” he shared. This practice has become a cornerstone in his mental health journey, offering a sense of balance and peace that he couldn’t find in other forms of treatment.
Music as Therapy: Vic Mensa’s Freestyle on Anxiety
In addition to sharing his mental health story, Mensa also dropped a raw freestyle over Doechii’s track “Anxiety,” reflecting his personal struggles with depression. In the video, Mensa is seen lying on a couch with a therapist, opening up about the inner turmoil he’s faced. His lyrics, “Voice in my head, like Siri / Bipolar in my jeans, like Amiri,” highlight his struggles with mental health, expressing how his mind feels like a “mental prison.”
He continues, “A relationship with my depression, why did I get married? No Tyler Perry,” referencing the complexities of his mental health and the way it has intertwined with his personal life. His verse also touches on the constant fear of his vulnerabilities being exposed, saying, “Fear for the day my flaws get outed.”
Continued Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
Through his openness about mental health, Vic Mensa is not only shedding light on his personal struggles but also encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. His story serves as a reminder that healing is a journey that can take many different paths and that it’s okay to seek help, whether through therapy, meditation, or even unconventional methods.
Fans and followers continue to support Mensa as he shares his truth, recognizing his vulnerability and strength in the face of mental health challenges. As the rapper continues to advocate for mental health awareness, his music remains a powerful outlet for expressing his emotions and experiences.
