Jeezy Opens Up About His 8-Year Battle with Depression Amid Estrangement from Jeannie Mai
Jeezy, the estranged husband of Jeannie Mai, has chosen to be candid about his mental health journey, revealing that he grappled with depression for nearly eight years without realizing it.
In an appearance on Tamron Hall’s show on October 16, the 46-year-old rapper shared his insights about his mental health, emphasizing the power of vulnerability. He admitted that he once believed something was inherently wrong with him due to his impoverished background, assuming that his struggles were just a part of life.
Jeezy, who grew up in Georgia without access to mental health resources, explained that this experience inspired him to share his story in his new memoir, “Adversity for Sale.” He acknowledged that he didn’t have an understanding of trauma and similar concepts in the past, but as he learned more about these issues, he started to grasp and apply tools for healing.
He elaborated on how depression had affected his life, expressing that there were times when he felt like he wanted to “sleep forever” and had been “leaning into vices.” He attributed this to his past involvement in street life, noting that exposure to violence in his community had a significant impact on him. The loss of numerous friends in tragic circumstances left him feeling numb and disconnected from his own emotions.
However, Jeezy also mentioned how his children, including his 20-month-old daughter Monaco Mai Jenkins with Jeannie Mai, played a crucial role in helping him reconnect with his emotions. He expressed gratitude for his kids, emphasizing that there was a time when he had become emotionally detached, particularly during his younger years as Young Jeezy.
On September 14, Jeezy filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai, citing a “bona fide state of separation” and expressing that there was “no hope for reconciliation.” He requested joint legal and physical custody of their daughter Monaco.
Jeannie Mai has not yet publicly responded to this development, but she shared a message about healing in an Instagram post on October 11, stating, “Sometimes, you need to take a break and disconnect, to heal.”
