Scott Mescudi, also better know as Kid Cudi released a public statement earlier almost a month ago that he had checked himself into rehab for depression, anxiety, and suicidal urges.

He sadly wrote,

My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it. I can't make new friends because of it. I don't trust anyone because of it, and I am tired of being help back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling.

Kid Cudi's music has been a part of my life since 2009 when Man on the Moon was first released, even before I began to suffer from my current mental illnesses. And his music was something I regularly listened to when I felt the struggles and pain of my anxiety. As scary as it probably was for him to release that statement to the world, I couldn't be more happy because it shows that mental illness is an issue that needs to be talked about and addressed in more public issues.

Too often, there is a serious stigma pertaining to mental illness that nobody ever wants to openly talk about, which affects people like Kudi and I. So many people (especially young adults) experience mental illness, but will suffer and go undiagnosed. Until we as a society are comfortable discussing the topic of mental illness, we'll never be able to make progress and lower the suicide rate. And because of this I went years, and even still today of working hard to hide my anxiety, and constantly feeling embarrassed and ashamed every time I have an episode, feeling too broken and alone to get help. Another reason our society needs to talk more about mental illness considering that despite his own pain, hurt, but bravery to publicly post his story, he still feels the need to apologize for letting others down.

Let me be clear that it's important to know that he should not feel ashamed for putting himself first, mental disorders are a disease that no one can control. While he may not feel like a leader or a hero, his public statement to claim as a victim fails to release how much he has influenced other people, including myself. And even before his statement, the soothing words and vocals he used to create his music made it feel okay to be different, expressive, and embrace your differences. Too many times because of my disorder that is how people perceive me,and chose to not involve me in their life. It hurts me to my core because I knew it was not my fault, but at the same time it's hard not to blame yourself, but the power of his music made me feel less alone about my issues. So thank you Kid Cudi, thank you for being brave, and telling your story.

Because you're making a lot of people feel less alone, and might get help now due to you.