Author: Tee Johnson

In a raw and unflinching revelation that’s sending ripples through the city’s hip-hop community, Atlanta-born rapper Gucci Mane has come forward with his wife, Keyshia Ka’oir, to disclose his long-private struggles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The couple’s candid discussion, tied to the release of Gucci Mane’s new memoir Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man, shines a spotlight on mental health challenges often shrouded in stigma within the music industry—and offers a beacon of hope for others in the A.

Gucci Mane Goes Public With Mental Health Struggles

Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, detailed his diagnoses in the book, which hit shelves this week.

The 45-year-old East Atlanta native, a pioneer of trap music with hits like “Lemonade” and “Wasted,” described harrowing “psychosis” episodes where he felt trapped in a “warped world,” haunted by voices in his mind.

“It was like a war inside my head,” Mane shared during a recent joint interview with Ka’oir on The Breakfast Club.

The memoir chronicles years of chaos, including his high-profile 2016 arrest and subsequent rehabilitation, which he now attributes in part to unmanaged mental health issues.

Buy Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man

Ka’oir, the entrepreneur behind the popular Ka’oir Fitness and Ka’oir Cosmetics brands, emerged as a pillar of strength in Mane’s story.

The couple, married since 2017, detailed how she recognizes early warning signs of his episodes—such as sudden mood shifts or withdrawal—and implements a structured plan to de-escalate situations.

“He needed someone to help him,” Ka’oir said, emphasizing the importance of routine, medication adherence, and open communication.

“We’ve built a system that works for us, and it’s saved our family.”For Atlanta, where Mane’s influence looms large—from his early days freestyling at local spots like Magic City to his role as a mentor for emerging artists like Young Thug and 21 Savage—this disclosure hits close to home.

The city’s rap scene has long grappled with the toll of fame, substance abuse, and unspoken mental health battles. Mane’s transparency could destigmatize these conversations, especially in Black communities where schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed or dismissed.

Dr. Elena Ramirez, a psychiatrist at Grady Memorial Hospital’s behavioral health unit, praised the couple’s bravery. “When public figures like Gucci Mane share their stories, it encourages others to seek help,” she told the Atlanta Chronicle. “We’re seeing more patients inspired by such narratives—it’s a game-changer for access to care in urban areas like ours.”Mane’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy. After serving nearly three years in federal prison on firearm charges, he emerged transformed in 2016, crediting sobriety and therapy for his comeback.

Albums like Everybody Looking and his 2018 collaboration The Return of East Atlanta Santa marked a creative renaissance. Yet, behind the platinum plaques, the demons persisted.

In Episodes, he recounts how untreated symptoms fueled paranoia and isolation, nearly derailing his marriage and fatherhood to their two children, Ka’oir Khamani and Iceland.The book isn’t just a confessional; it’s a call to action.

Mane and Ka’oir urge fans to prioritize mental wellness, sharing resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Georgia chapter, which offers free support groups in metro Atlanta.

“Mental illness is real,” Ka’oir posted on social media, echoing a sentiment that’s resonated with thousands of likes and shares from local influencers.

As Atlanta continues to crown itself the Mecca of Hip-Hop, Gucci Mane’s vulnerability reminds us that true strength lies in the unfiltered truth.

Final Word

You can buy Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man on Amazon. It’s also available at local bookstores like A Cappella Books in Little Five Points, and Gucci Mane is slated for a low-key signing at the Fox Theatre next month—proceeds benefiting Atlanta-based mental health initiatives.

For immediate support, contact the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 or visit nami.org/georgia. For a detailed look, check out our Atlanta Mental Health Resources Guide.

In the words of the Trap God himself: “We all got episodes. The key is writing the next chapter.”

In a city as vibrant and fast-paced as Atlanta, the pressures of daily life, work, and unexpected events can take a toll on mental well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or a crisis, help is available right here in the Peach State.

As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches its end and we head into the holiday season, local experts emphasize the importance of reaching out early.

Need Help With Your Mental Health? Check Out These Atlanta Resources

According to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, timely access to support can make all the difference in recovery.

To support our community, the Atlanta Beacon has compiled a list of five accessible mental health resources tailored for residents of Atlanta and Fulton County. These include crisis hotlines, community support groups, county services, hospital programs, and statewide providers with local reach. Remember, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always a free, confidential call away at 988, available 24/7.

1. Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)

For immediate crisis intervention, GCAL serves as Georgia’s frontline resource, connecting callers to counselors who can dispatch mobile crisis teams or link you to outpatient care, detoxification, and stabilization services.

aging.georgia.gov Available 24/7 for all ages across the state, including Atlanta, it’s ideal for urgent needs like suicidal thoughts or threats of harm. You can call on behalf of a loved one, and teams respond in homes for on-site assessments in 159 counties.

• Contact: 1-800-715-4225 (TTY: 1-800-255-0135) fultoncountyga.gov
• Website: dbhdd.georgia.gov/gcal

2. NAMI Northside Atlanta

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northside Atlanta chapter offers free peer-led support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness, their families, and caregivers.

naminorthsideatlanta.org Focused on reducing stigma through community discussions and resources, it’s a welcoming space for Atlantans seeking understanding and connection without judgment.

• Contact: 770-234-0855 (or NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI, M-F 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET) namiga.org
• Website: naminorthsideatlanta.org

3. Fulton County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Services

Fulton County’s adult mental health program provides no-cost or sliding-scale therapy, psychiatric assessments, group counseling, and crisis management for uninsured residents, veterans, and those with Medicaid or Medicare.

Services cover depression, anxiety, addiction, and co-occurring issues, with locations across Atlanta, North Fulton, and South Fulton. They also offer HIV early intervention counseling and testing as part of holistic care.

• Contact: 404-612-6520 (After-hours: GCAL at 1-800-715-4225)
• Locations: The Center for Health & Rehabilitation (265 Boulevard NE, Atlanta); North Fulton Service Center (7741 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs); South Fulton Service Center (5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park)
• Website: fultoncountyga.gov/services/behavioral-health

4. Grady Health System Behavioral Health Services

As Atlanta’s largest safety-net hospital, Grady offers integrated inpatient, outpatient, and emergency behavioral health care, treating conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders.

gradyhealth.org Their multidisciplinary teams provide everything from walk-in evaluations and therapy to community-based support and crisis response teams that co-respond to 911 calls. Special programs assist homeless individuals and those transitioning from hospitals.

• Contact: 404-616-4444 (Outpatient); 404-616-1000 (Hospital/Emergency)
• Locations: Behavioral Health Outpatient Center (10 Park Place SE, Atlanta); Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta)
• Website: gradyhealth.org/services/behavioral-health

5. Georgia HOPE

This community-based provider delivers in-home and telehealth mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family preservation services throughout Georgia, including Atlanta.

findhelp.org With a focus on accessible therapy that meets clients where they are—literally—Georgia HOPE emphasizes recovery and wellness through personalized plans.

• Contact: 706-279-0405
• Website: gahope.org

Bonus: For Veterans

Veterans face unique challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the transition to civilian life. The good news is that a range of free or low-cost services are available nationwide through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and partner organizations.

These resources offer everything from crisis intervention to ongoing therapy, peer support, and educational tools. If you’re in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line—confidential support available 24/7 via phone, chat, or text (838255).

The VA provides comprehensive care, including outpatient counseling, inpatient treatment, medication management, and telehealth options for conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. Services are available at over 1,300 VA facilities or virtually, with no copays for many preventive mental health visits.

• Contact: Call your local VA medical center or 1-877-222-8387 (VA Health Benefits Toll-Free).
• Website: va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health

Final Word

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re unsure where to start, a quick call to GCAL or 988 can guide you to the right fit. Atlanta’s mental health community is here to support you—because a healthier mind builds a stronger city.

For more local resources, visit the Georgia Department of Human Services’ mental health page.