Kanye West candidly shares with Kris Jenner his aversion to medication, expressing that he would ‘rather be dead than be on medication’. In a raw new documentary titled ‘In Whose Name?’, the controversial rapper, known for his tumultuous public persona, opens up about his struggles with mental health. Kanye West disclosed his bipolar disorder diagnosis with the release of his 2018 album ‘Ye’. The documentary, filmed over a span of six years with West’s cooperation, captures a pivotal moment where West, after a visit to the White House in 2018 and a tough call with then-wife Kim Kardashian, confronts Kris Jenner regarding his medication stance.
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The documentary footage portrays a tense exchange between Kanye West, now 48, and Kris Jenner, 69, as West wears a gray sweatshirt and a “Make America Great Again” hat. West conveys his sentiment that the Kardashian family was able to mistreat him because he was under medication, implying feeling like “a piece of s—“. He explicitly states, “I would rather be dead, not in jail … I would rather be dead than to be on medication.” This encounter in the film directed by Nico Ballesteros sheds light on West’s personal beliefs regarding mental health and medication, sparking conversations about the complexities of treatment and individual autonomy.
While Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian did not respond to requests for comment on the revelations made in the documentary, Kanye West’s struggles with mental health have been a topic of public interest for years. Following a hospitalization due to a “psychiatric emergency” in November 2016, which led to the cancellation of his Saint Pablo tour, speculations about West’s mental health arose among fans. The release of his album ‘Ye’ in 2018, accompanied by the phrase “I Hate Being Bipolar. It’s Awesome” on the cover, seemed to confirm his bipolar disorder diagnosis, albeit indirectly.
In 2019, Kim Kardashian confirmed West’s diagnosis during an interview with Vogue, acknowledging the emotional journey they had been on together. She shared that they had reached a “pretty good place” in managing his mental health challenges. Kardashian, now 44, emphasised the importance of being prepared for potential episodes and understanding how to navigate through them as a couple. Mental health, particularly within high-profile relationships like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s, continues to be a significant talking point, shedding light on the nuances and complexities of supporting a loved one with mental health concerns.
As discussions around mental health and medication choice continue to evolve, Kanye West’s bold statements in the ‘In Whose Name?’ documentary raise important questions about personal agency in mental health treatment. The documentary, offering a rare glimpse into West’s inner struggles and convictions, challenges conventional narratives around mental health management and stigma. With mental health awareness on the rise globally, stories like Kanye West’s serve to humanise the experiences of individuals dealing with complex mental health conditions, fostering empathy and understanding within society.
The candid nature of Kanye West’s revelations in the documentary sparks reflection on societal perceptions of mental health treatment and the autonomy individuals have in choosing their healing paths. While his stance on medication may spark debate, it underscores the importance of open dialogue and destigmatising discussions around mental health. Kanye West’s willingness to share his journey openly adds depth to the ongoing discourse on mental health awareness and the need for compassion and support for those navigating similar challenges.