Gucci Mane is opening up about a diagnosis he says changed his life. In his new book “Episodes: The Diary Of A Recovering Mad Man” and in a joint interview with his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir on “The Breakfast Club,” the rapper revealed he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and described terrifying psychosis episodes in which he “heard voices” and felt like he was living in a “warped world.”

Gucci said that a frightening episode at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 was a turning point and that it ultimately pushed him to seek treatment. He then began therapy and was prescribed medication and added, “I don’t ever want to have an episode again. If I have to see a therapist, if I have to take medicine… I kinda threw the towel in, like, do what I need to do to get better.”

Ka’oir shared that Gucci would say things that were “so mean and disrespectful” during his episodes, but she’d have to remind herself that “I’m not talking to Gucci.” She said, “It was really, really bad. It’s really sad because you’re seeing someone you don’t know.”

Ka’oir described the system she’s had to create in her hands-on approach to helping her husband through his diagnosis. “I take his apps off his phone. First thing I do, I delete Instagram. I delete everything. Even if I gotta change his password, I’m changing it because I don’t need the public to know he’s having an episode." 

Ka’oir explained that she had to be in full mother mode and watch for cues like silence, him not eating, not sleeping, even the punctuation in his texts; that’s when she stepped in to get him care. His episodes are more in control under her supervision. “That’s why he hasn’t had another one," she said.

Gucci credited accountability and lifestyle changes with his progress. He said that substance use and stress are triggers for him. And he was also aware that he needed help and was willing to do what it took to get it. “You got to do the work yourself if you want to really get better,” he said.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. It can involve hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking or behavior that interferes with everyday functioning. Symptoms can be managed with medication, therapy, and support.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by swings between manic or hypermanic episodes (high energy, elation, or irritability) and depressive episodes (low mood and energy). There are several types of bipolar disorder, and care is typically similar to schizophrenia (medication, therapy, and support).

If you or someone you know needs help, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting STRENGTH to 741-741.