“Its been difficult for me to find the words to what Im about to share with you because I feel ashamed. 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.
Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges.
I am not at peace.”

These were some of the words shared on Facebook by Rapper Kid Cudi, brave words shared openly.

Cudi is a black male, living in a world where mental health is all too often swept under the carpet and dismissed as weakness.

In full he posted:

Its been difficult for me to find the words to what Im about to share with you because I feel ashamed. 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.
Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges.
I am not at peace. I haven’t been since you’ve known me. If I didn’t come here, I wouldve 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. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it. I cant make new friends because of it. I dont trust anyone because of it and Im 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. Im scared, im sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, Im sorry. Its time I fix me. Im nervous but ima get through this.
I wont be around to promote much, but the good folks at Republic and my manager Dennis will inform you about upcoming releases. The music videos, album release date etc. The album is still on the way. Promise. I wanted to square away all the business before I got here so I could focus on my recovery.
If all goes well ill be out in time for Complexcon and ill be lookin forward to seeing you all there for high fives and hugs.
Love and light to everyone who has love for me and I am sorry if I let anyone down. I really am sorry. Ill be back, stronger, better. Reborn. I feel like shit, I feel so ashamed. Im sorry.
I love you,
Scott Mescudi

Cudi’s bravery and strength led to a lot more people opening up and discussion ensuing. The hashtag #YouGoodMan was born, black men and supporters are sharing experiences, pushing for people to open up and generally the space seems to be open wide, a beautiful thing for such a touchy subject.

Here are just a few of the latest tweets:

Black men feel anxiety. Black men feel depression. Black men feel sadness. Black men feel rage. Black men feel and that's ok. #YouGoodMan

— Jeffery Allen (@PsychoBabble_06) October 5, 2016

Black men cry, Black men have mood swings, Black men get weak, but BLACK men are still forever strong in the mind & soul #YouGoodMan

— Kirk (@Kirk_McGurk) October 5, 2016

When mental/emotional pain goes unaddressed, people self-medicate & self-destruct. Heaven help anyone in the blast radius. #YouGoodMan

— Alfred Edmond Jr (@AlfredEdmondJr) October 6, 2016

So happy to see the #YouGoodMan hashtag.
.
.
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Black men, we need you. Always.

— Raegan. (@vermillionpearl) October 6, 2016

Thanks Kid, we are thinking of you.