On this episode of Going There, Dr. Mike speaks with Grammy-nominated Roc Nation Hip Hop artist, singer-songwriter, and actor Vic Mensa. You may know Vic from songs like Reverse and Liquor Locker. Vic is the founder of the artist collective Save Money which includes fellow artists such as Chance The Rapper. Vic has been described as a “storytelling great” and “impeccably self-reflective and honest. He has also been a long-time mental health advocate, including founding the SaveMoneySaveLife non-profit designed to promote mental health and environmental justice. Vic has a new album dropping September 15th called Victor, including the new single Blue Eyes. Check out all of Vic’s music, tour, and merch info at vicmensa.lnk.to or Rocnation.com

On this episode, Vic Mensa discusses the role of vulnerability in our mental health journey and how finding vulnerability through music is his superpower. For Vic, music is a way to open up and explore how he is feeling in a way that helps him better understand his feelings and possible pathways to coping. 

As a warning in case this topic is triggering for you, we will be discussing suicidal ideation as part of our conversation. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and would like to speak with someone confidentially, please dial the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or addiction, and are looking for help, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National helpline at 800-622-4357.

Please like, review, and subscribe to Going There with Dr. Mike via your favorite podcast provider. You can also follow the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our shows.

Season 4 of Going There with Dr. Mike is made in collaboration with Sound Mind Live and Consequence Podcast Network and is brought to you by AbbVie, who is driving the pursuit of better mental health. Over the last 30 years, AbbVie’s scientists and clinicians have worked to tackle the complexity of mental illness and today offer a portfolio of medicines and a pipeline of innovation that spans depression, anxiety, bipolar 1 disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about AbbVie’s work to support individuals throughout their mental health journey, please visit www.AbbVie.com or follow at AbbVie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

This episode of Going There is also supported by Sage Therapeutics. Sage Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company fearlessly leading the way to create a world with better brain health. Their mission is to pioneer solutions to deliver life-changing brain health medicines, so every person can thrive. For more information, please visit www.sagerx.com.