For the Hip-Hop Is Life cover story for the latest edition of Men’s Health, Method Man opened up about PTSD, his battle with depression, and more.
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When Method Man first popped up on the rap scene as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 90s, his record label propped him up as rap’s next superstar. He was on top of the world, feeling as though he was holding it on his shoulders.
Under a lot of pressure that no one could see, Method didn’t recognize how much importance he placed on adoration and the effect it would have on his mental health. Particularly how lacking it would lead to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. “It went from this childhood joy to this euphoric feeling of celebrity to feeling inadequate and not good enough. That’s where the depression and stuff came in,” he noted to Men’s Health. “And not even knowing that I’ve been depressed since I was a youngster. A lot of PTSD I had never dealt with before started resurfacing.”
While in the prime of his rap career, health was a mere afterthought for Meth, who admitted that part of his recovery process included changing his outlook and his social circle.
Admitting to a time when he let outside influences impact his mental state, the rapper said, “I didn’t think it would bother me that much, but it did — people’s opinions. In hindsight, you delve deeper into your psyche and see where certain things come from. I just wasn’t a happy person.”
“It reached a point where misery was loving company, and the people around me were just as miserable. So, it kind of fits. Then I got tired of it and did not want to be around miserable people anymore. I just wanted to see light. I wanted everything light. Forget the darkness.”
Meth revealed that it took looking within himself to move forward. “It had nothing to do with other people. It was just me. What can I control? That’s what I did; I took control after that. I stopped valuing other people’s opinions, and instead of being my biggest critic, I became my biggest fan.”
“Self-love; it’s simple as that. Looking yourself in the mirror and honestly saying that you love yourself,” Method went on to say. “But it’s one thing to say and then another to go and do it. Show that you love yourself. That’s all I’ve been doing. What people see now is just happiness.”
Check out the entire interview — HERE. And if ever you find yourself feeling as Method Man once did, just know that you are not alone.
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.