Streamer Kai Cenat revealed he’s been “struggling with mental health” lately; it was a rare, but blunt moment of vulnerability from one of streaming’s biggest and most successful personalities.

In a candid birthday post, Cenat admitted that the past few months left him wrestling with self-doubt and fear around achieving his goals. However, he said he’s actively working to manage the struggle and is getting better. 

“I felt like it was the perfect day to be transparent and honest with you guys,” Kai said in the video seen below. “A few days ago, I spread awareness on mental health and how important it is to take care of yourself. Honestly, for the past few months, I’ve been struggling with mental health out of self-doubt and fright of pursuing goals that I really wanna achieve. The reason I’ve really been in my head is because I just want to do more. I’ve [come] to realize that I’m a true creator, and I’m very passionate about creating, and I have other goals and things that I just want to achieve and do more of.”

He went on, “But out of frustration and fear, I’ve just been in my head for some reason. I’ve never had this feeling before, but I want it to be known that I truly want to create. I don’t know if I’m getting mature, or I’m just looking at things from a broad point of view, but I’m so passionate about creating in general, and I’m excited to show you guys what’s going on.”

Cenat’s openness matters, especially when it comes to the worrying reality of Black youths and mental health. Federal data shows suicide as the third leading cause of death for Black Americans age 15-34 in recent years. The rise in this particular crisis means there’s an urgent need for care and access for young Black people. Studies and reports have flagged sharp increases in suicide and suicidal behavior among Black adolescents over the last decade, a trend that public-health experts say demands targeted prevention and culturally competent services. 

Access remains a persistent problem. HHS data show Black Americans receive mental health treatment at lower rates than the general population, and national surveys indicate behavioral health needs go largely unmet for many young people of color. To make it plain: more young Black people are showing signs of crisis, yet many face barriers to care, from cost and provide shortages to stigma and cultural mistrust.

That’s why public honesty from high-profile people like Cenat matters. Cenat naming what he’s feeling helps reduce stigma and makes it easier for fans to relate and also seek help. Mental health advocates say early disclosure can prompt friends and family to step in, normalize therapy, and institutions (from platforms to talent teams) to provide better support.

Cenat’s courage to expose his own mental health struggles is necessary. Before he shared the vulnerable social media post, he took to the Streamer Awards stage and used his acceptance speech as a platform to encourage others to “really take care of your mental health.” He credited anime with helping him find happiness.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a trusted person and contacting a mental-health professional are strong first steps. For immediate crisis help, the U.S. 988 line connects callers or texters to trained counselors. SAMHSA and local health departments also list culturally specific resources for Black youth and families.