What does Post Malone suffer from? Rapper has spoken about feeling isolated by his peer group in the song Don’t Understand

Austin Richard Post, popularly known as Post Malone, never anticipated achieving such immense fame. The Circles singer has become one of the most popular pop artists of modern times. In a conversation on the Howard Stern Show in June 2022, Malone talked about balancing fame and mental health. He revealed that he had suffered from anxiety and self-esteem issues.

Howard Stern also talked about Malone's experience of depression as a child. Malone said that it is "tough to talk about." He thought about his days in "middle and high school" and said:

"I didn’t sit with anybody at the lunch table. I just sat there with my head in my hands, and I was just like, ‘I don’t know, and I don’t understand, and I don’t know what the f**k is going on with anyone.’"

Post Malone shared that music helped him pull out of his depression. Music has continued to help Malone after becoming famous.

2020 Billboard Music Awards - Backstage (Image via Getty)

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Post Malone reveals his mental health experiences and expresses it with his music

Post Malone has opened up about his struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In an interview with Howard Stern, Malone shared that he began singing in front of his friends when he was 16. Before that, Malone spoke about his experience of being isolated by his school peers. He directly addresses these feelings in his song, Don't Understand.

When asked by Stern if he feels "bitter" towards the people from his school. Malone revealed that he doesn't feel bitter but "confused." He explained:

“There’s girls that wouldn’t give me the time of day [in high school], and now they’re like, ‘Can I go to the show?’ All that stuff."

The Sunflower singer said that people started seeing him differently when he became successful. He said that he doesn't find anything different in himself, but people want to "hang out" with him. He continued:

“I’ve never been cool, so what makes me cool right now? Is it because people know who I am? Is it because I’ve accrued a minute amount of wealth? Is it because the songs are good?”

Post Malone revealed that his self-esteem issues go far back to his childhood. He felt that he did not have the "natural tact or ability or intuition to socialize." He added:

"To go out, to socialize. I feel like being quirky just got cool in the last couple of years.”

In an interview with GQ in 2020, Post Malone revealed that his mental health had suffered and he saw his friends lose their lives to "substance abuse." He also mentioned that it is difficult for him to seek professional help for mental health, but he has been "trying." He explained:

“It's difficult. Through my songs, I can talk about whatever I want. But sitting here, face-to-face, it's difficult.”

More recently, Post Malone has worked on his physical health and mental health. He has also lost 60 pounds. In an interview with Zane Lowe in 2023, Malone said that "having a baby" has put things into perspective for him. He also told Howard Stern that he is much more "responsible now" and thanked people around him, including his fiance.

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Post Malone experienced a difficult time in middle school and high school. He talked about his experiences of managing depression and anxiety with music. Many years later, Malone has become more open to the idea of seeking professional help and has worked on his health.