The self-professed “Lonely Stoner”, Kid Cudi, broadcasted an alerting reveal last Tuesday. Confessing to feeling constantly haunted by depressing and suicidal thoughts, Cudi announced both a regress from music and a recent rehab check-in.
“I am not at peace. I haven't been since you've known me. If I didn't come here, I would've done something else,” Cudi admitted via Facebook post, “I simply am a damaged human swinging in a pool of emotions everyday of my life. There's a raging violent storm inside of my heart at all times. [I don't know] what peace feels like. [I don't know] 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.”
The post sparked an online upheaval as thousands of fans and numerous artists took to comfort the melancholy rapper. Since the date of Cudi's initial reveal, the post currently accounts over 44,000 comments, as well as more than 111,000 shares.
The backlash has also awakened the hashtag #YouGoodMan, which is currently trending on social media, and constantly gathering participants. Conceived by @DaynaLNuckolls and @TheCosby, the trend has birthed into an online community, providing an “open space” where individuals are free to share their distresses.
#YouGoodMan envisions a virtual solace for such individuals and encourages active participation from those willing to provide aid in whatever method found necessary.
What began as a somber confession, however, may have in fact surfaced with positive results. Aside from the thousands rallying around to encourage the distressed Cudi, as well as the birth of #YouGoodMan, the rapper unconsciously illustrated a tremendously-revolutionary image: Artists are often seen as role models, both strong and optimistic; Such confession from an artist greatly reduces the shame felt by those sharing similar afflictions, and encourages them to express themselves.
Wounds, scars, no matter what form they take, should never be concealed.
For those going through such afflicting thoughts, we vehemently encourage you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
