Lil Nas X’s bipolar diagnosis highlights the fear many high achievers have of mental-health treatment

Lil Nas X recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The article notes that he had suspected something was wrong for years but delayed seeking help because he was worried about medication.

The author describes a paradox where people who are most aware of their mental-health issues are often the most reluctant to accept treatment. They do not deny their suffering; instead, they view it as intertwined with the traits that drive their success.

This fear is common among artists, entrepreneurs, executives, athletes and other high-performing individuals. They worry that medication or therapy might blunt the very qualities-creativity, drive, intensity-that they credit for their achievements.

Mental-health clinicians observe that patients rarely want to remain depressed or manic; they fear losing a sense of self. The piece suggests that addressing this perception is essential for encouraging treatment among high achievers.