Radio Host Charlamagne Tha God Discusses Mental Illness, Therapy, and Building Trust
- Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Published Sep 19, 2024
Radio and television personality Charlamagne tha God (Lenard McKelvey), best known for co-hosting the radio show "The Breakfast Club," opened up about his struggle with mental issues with former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz on Lentz's "Lights On" podcast.
"My whole life, I've been dealing with really bad anxiety and bouts of depression," Charlamagne, who's also the founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network, told Lentz. He described in detail how his anxiety would play out as a young child.
"I used to have these real bad panic attacks—like those uncontrollable panic attacks," he added. "I'm either crying uncontrollably or scared to death of whatever environment I'm in. I don't necessarily know why nobody can calm me down. I don't even know why I got to this place."
He also recalled one incident in his 30s where he thought he was having a heart attack. A doctor, however, said that it was a panic attack and that his "athlete's heart" was fine.
According to Church Leaders, the interview also touched on Charlamagne's road to success in media, marriage, and therapy. However, he admitted that reaching that level of success didn't make his life any better.
"I'm making more money than I've ever made in my life. I've got more success than I've ever had in my life. But, that didn't change anything—if anything, it might have made things worse," he said.
"I wasn't living the way I was supposed to be living," Charlamagne admitted.
The radio host went on to confess that his wife caught him being unfaithful one night.
"What are you doing with your life? You're about to lose everything—including us," she said.
"I was becoming what I hated," shared Charlamagne. "What I hated was the way my dad did my mother back in the day." He also revealed how his father was addicted to drugs and alcohol and "ruined his marriage" through his infidelity.
Charlamagne said, "I didn't want to become that."
"I have to raise my kids out of love and not fear," Charlamagne, a father of four, continued. "I feel like my father raised me out of fear."
After attending therapy, Charlamagne started to experience peace he hadn't felt in a long time. Therapy helped him change his thinking and behavior to rebuild trust with those closest to him.
"In order to eradicate the stigma around mental health, everybody has to share their story," Charlamagne said.
Charlamagne tha God also speaks in-depth about mental illness in his book "Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me," which was released earlier this year.
"He knows therapy and showing weakness are anxiety-producing in the Black community, but this is one of the reasons he wants to own his truth—to clear a path for others in hopes they won't feel shame while dealing openly with their mental health" the book's description states.
Photo Credit: ©Larry French/Stringer
