YCee Opens Up About Six Year Health Battle
YCee Opens Up About Six Year Health Battle That Forced Him to Step Away From Music. Nigerian rapper YCee has shared the emotional story behind his long absence from the music industry, revealing that he spent years battling a serious mental health condition that affected both his personal life and music career.
The “Jagaban” hitmaker disclosed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, a development that completely changed the course of his life. What many fans believed was simply a career break was actually a difficult period marked by hospital admissions, medication, therapy, and a lengthy recovery process.
His candid revelation has sparked widespread conversations about mental health awareness, with many fans praising him for speaking openly about a topic that is still heavily stigmatized in Nigeria.
YCee Reveals His Diagnosis
The rapper made the revelation during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, where he discussed the challenges that forced him away from the spotlight.
According to YCee, he was living in London during the COVID-19 lockdown when doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that affects mood, energy levels, and daily functioning.
He explained that the diagnosis came unexpectedly and marked the beginning of one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The artist admitted that before then, mental health was not something he had paid much attention to.
Months of Hospital Treatment
YCee disclosed that he spent approximately six months in London during the lockdown.
During that period, he was repeatedly admitted to the hospital, spending nearly three months receiving medical care as doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
He described the experience as overwhelming, noting that everything happened at a time when the world itself was dealing with uncertainty because of the pandemic.
The rapper said the experience completely changed his perspective on health and life.
Return to Nigeria for Continued Treatment
After spending several months in the United Kingdom, YCee said he eventually returned to Nigeria because of visa restrictions.
Back home, his recovery journey continued with medication, regular therapy sessions, and additional hospitalizations.
According to him, adapting to Nigeria’s mental healthcare system was not easy, and recovery became a long process that lasted several years.
He described the journey as one filled with emotional highs and lows.
There were moments when he believed he was making significant progress, only to experience setbacks that made the road to recovery even more challenging.
Mental Health Affected His Music Career
One of the biggest consequences of the illness was its impact on his creativity.
YCee explained that making music had always come naturally to him, but after his diagnosis, he found himself struggling in recording sessions.
He recalled experiencing mental fog that made it difficult to think clearly and create music the way he used to.
The condition also affected the promotion of his projects.
His 2021 EP, Love Drunk, did not receive the level of attention he would normally have given it because of the state of his mental health at the time. He also revealed that the music he released in 2022 suffered for similar reasons.
Learning to Accept a New Reality
YCee admitted that one of the hardest parts of his journey was accepting that life had changed.
For years, he tried to become the same person he was before his diagnosis.
Eventually, he realized he needed to stop chasing his past and instead focus on building a healthier future.
According to the rapper, this shift in mindset became a major turning point in his recovery.
He explained that by the end of 2024, he gradually started feeling more like himself again after years of treatment and emotional healing.
Fans React With Support
Following the interview, many fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement.
Several people applauded YCee for being honest about his experience, saying his story could inspire others struggling with mental health challenges to seek professional help.
Others admitted they had wondered why the rapper had become less active in the music industry over the past few years and were saddened to learn about the reason behind his absence.
Many supporters also commended him for helping normalize conversations about mental health.
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Mental Health Awareness in Nigeria
YCee’s revelation has reignited discussions about mental health awareness across Nigeria.
Although awareness has improved in recent years, many people still avoid seeking treatment because of stigma, misinformation, or fear of being judged.
Mental health professionals have consistently encouraged public figures to share their experiences, arguing that such openness can help reduce discrimination and encourage more people to seek medical support when needed.
YCee’s decision to speak publicly is being viewed by many as an important contribution to that ongoing conversation.
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