Gucci Manek opens up about his diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Gucci Mane revealed that he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In a recent interview, the rapper and his wife, Keyshia Ka'oir, opened up about managing his mental health conditions over the years and the turning point in his journey.

Gucci Mane Reveals Schizophrenia Diagnosis, Recalls Hearing Voices During 'Psychosis' Episodes The rapper and his wife Keyshia Ka'oir opened up about managing his mental health over the years By Vanessa Etienne Vanessa Etienne Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE. Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 21, 2025 03:00PM EDT 1 Comment Gucci Mane in Atlanta in October 2024. Credit : Paras Griffin/Getty NEED TO KNOW Gucci Mane revealed in his new book, Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man, that he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorderIn a recent interview, the rapper and his wife, Keyshia Ka'oir, opened up about managing his mental health conditions over the yearsHe shared the turning point in his journey where he finally took accountability for his struggles and received the help he needed Gucci Mane and wife Keyshia Ka'oir are opening up about how they manage his mental health struggles. Earlier this month, the Atlanta rapper, 45, released his third book, Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man, where he revealed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He reflects on his life, career and past legal troubles while giving context to the mental health challenges he was facing at the time. On Monday, Oct. 20, the couple — who got married in 2017 — had a joint interview on The Breakfast Club, where they discussed managing his episodes and the warning signs he’d show. "I have a system," Ka'oir, 40, said. "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." "I control that. You’re not going on Instagram, you’re not going on Twitter, it’s deleted. I control everything at home," she continued. "Now, before the episodes come, I catch it. That’s why he hasn’t had another one. How you catch it is he doesn’t speak to you, he wants to be left alone, he don’t eat, he does not sleep. Text messages, there’s a period after each word." Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now! Gucci explained that he wouldn’t even know he was behaving that way, pointing out that his episodes would feel like he’s in a "psychosis" or a "warped world." He said he’d hear voices in his mind and think were against him. Ka'oir said she would have to go into “mother mode” and make sure that her husband was getting the proper care he needed during his episodes. She admitted that it’s a “scary moment,” but she knew she needed to be by his side. “It was really, really bad. It’s really sad because you’re seeing someone you don’t know,” she shared, pointing out that he 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.” Gucci Mane and wife Keyshia Ka'oir in Atlanta in October 2024. Prince Williams/WireImage Schizophrenia, which impacts 2.4 million adults in the United States, is a serious mental disorder in which interpret reality abnormally, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is associated with hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impair daily functioning and can be disabling. Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness of the brain that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. Related Stories Gucci Mane and Wife Keyshia Ka'oir Welcome Their Second Baby and Reveal Name Inspired by Her Brother Gucci Mane Releases 'Letter to Takeoff' Song About Late Migos Rapper's Death: 'We Miss You Already' Patients will often experience intense emotions as well as disruption to sleep patterns and their ability to think clearly. These periods can last for an extended time — days or even weeks — with no clear way of predicting when one period will end and another will begin. This can cause patients to have difficulty at work, school or maintaining their relationships. Gucci, whose real name is Radric Davis, explained during the interview that he had an episode in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed him to be transparent about his mental health and finally seek help. “After that, I was like, man, I got to really just hold myself accountable and take care of my health. 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.” Never miss a story — sign up for 's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The “King Snipe” rapper said Ka'oir was also pregnant with their son at the time and he was concerned about entering the next phase of their life together while struggling. "I don't want to raise a family, and then my mental health is gone. What if I have an episode I can't come back from?" he said. “So I just started to do the work, started seeking the help.” Gucci said that he ultimately started therapy and was prescribed medication for his mental health conditions. He was also able to recognize his triggers, which are drug and alcohol use and stress. The hip-hop artist said he’s now doing well and doesn’t deal with any episodes, crediting the steps he took to get himself back on track. "You got to do the work yourself if you want to really get better,” he said. “ can want it for you, but you still got to want it more than they do." If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Close Leave a Comment Read more: Lifestyle Health Celebrity Health