Eminem, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, has never shied away from discussing the darker aspects of his life in his music. From struggles with addiction to battles with mental health, the Detroit-born rapper has poured his pain into his lyrics, finding solace and healing in the art form. Recently, Eminem described how rapping about his mental health has been therapeutic, highlighting the transformative power of music.

Rapping as a Mental Health Outlet

In an interview with Sway in the Morning on Sirius XM Radio, Eminem spoke candidly about how rapping has served as a form of therapy for him. When asked about how expressing his mental health struggles through rap has impacted his life, he emphasized the genre’s unique ability to channel raw emotions. “I think that’s one of the great things about rap music,” Eminem explained. “You can put so much of your life into it.”

He went on to describe how this process of translating personal experiences into music has been a vital outlet for him throughout his career. “It’s therapeutic and it’s, you know, that’s how it’s always been for me,” Eminem said. For the rapper, the craft isn’t just about entertaining listeners—it’s about survival. By openly rapping about his battles with addiction and mental health, he has not only found his voice but also given hope to millions of fans grappling with similar issues.

Sharing His Struggles Through Lyrics

Eminem has long been recognized for his brutal honesty in his music. He has openly addressed his battles with depression, addiction, and family trauma in songs like “Not Afraid,” “The Way I Am,” and “Going Through Changes.” These songs allow him to reflect on his own journey while also offering listeners an outlet for their own emotions. In his conversation with Sway, Eminem mentioned how, with each new project, he tries to dive deeper into these themes, even though the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. “I was just trying to figure out how to expand on that, and I kinda got lost,” he admitted.

Eminem also shared his excitement about his recent collaboration on Boogie’s album, which allowed him to continue exploring these themes while pushing the boundaries of his music. He praised the project, saying, “The title, everything is f***ing great,” showing his enthusiasm for continuing to use his art as a tool for healing.

A Life Saved by Music and Fitness

Eminem’s battles with addiction nearly cost him his life. In 2007, the rapper overdosed on pills, a moment that served as a turning point in his life. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with Men’s Journal in 2015, Eminem recalled how his substance abuse led to serious health issues, both mental and physical. “In 2007, I overdosed on pills, and I went into the hospital. I was close to 230 pounds,” he said. “I’m not sure how I got so big, but I have ideas.”

The rapper explained that his dependence on Vicodin and Valium, which he had been using for years, contributed to his weight gain. To avoid the discomfort caused by the drugs, he found himself overeating junk food. The overdose was a wake-up call, prompting Eminem to turn to exercise as a new way to regain control over his body and mind. The decision to focus on fitness, paired with his ongoing dedication to his music, helped him find a new sense of stability and well-being.

A Message of Hope

Eminem’s openness about his struggles has undoubtedly made him a powerful voice for mental health awareness. By sharing his experiences through his music and interviews, he encourages others to seek help and reminds them that they’re not alone in their battles. His raw lyrics have resonated with listeners around the world, providing a sense of solidarity to those facing their own demons.

For Eminem, rap has been more than just a career—it’s been his lifeline. “It’s always been therapeutic,” he said, underscoring the healing power that music can have, not only for the artist but for anyone willing to listen.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, Eminem’s message remains clear: no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a way to express your pain, find healing, and rise above it. Whether through music, fitness, or another creative outlet, the key is to keep fighting, just as he has.