Nick Cannon, the ever-present entertainer and host of The Masked Singer, has recently opened up about a significant aspect of his personal life: his mental health. Earlier this November, Cannon, age 44, publicly shared his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). In a candid conversation, Cannon revealed that understanding and addressing his mental health is an ongoing process that he actively manages.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE on Wednesday, November 27th, at the Los Angeles Mission’s Thanksgiving celebration, Cannon explained his journey towards understanding his recent diagnosis. “I still don’t understand it all the way, but I kind of always wanted to get tested for it. I did a bunch of tests,” Cannon stated, highlighting his proactive approach to his mental well-being.
Cannon further elaborated on his history with mental health labels, mentioning past diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia since childhood. “Even as a kid it was dyslexia, but just knowing that I’m just a neurodivergent individual, I kind of always knew,” he added. This context underscores that the narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis is part of a broader picture of neurodiversity that Cannon is embracing.
For Cannon, receiving the narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis is not a setback but rather a step forward in self-improvement. He emphasizes acceptance and proactive engagement with mental health resources. “I feel like there’s so many labels out there, but it’s like, to be able to embrace it and say, ‘Look, I’m healing. I need help. Show me.’ I just embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way,” Cannon expressed. He views his experience as an opportunity to advocate for mental health awareness and demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength. “To be able to say I’m an example for others, but also be healing during the self-process works too,” he affirmed.
Cannon initially disclosed his narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis on the November 8th episode of his podcast, Counsel Culture. During a conversation with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, a Doctor of Psychology, he confirmed the “clinical diagnosis” and admitted to identifying with almost all of the diagnostic “markers” associated with NPD. By openly discussing his diagnosis on his platform, Cannon is contributing to destigmatizing mental health conditions and encouraging open conversations about NPD.
“I’ve taken all the power away from the term narcissism ’cause I’ve researched it and I understand it,” Cannon explained on his podcast, showcasing his commitment to educating himself about his condition. “Call me whatever you want… now if I didn’t know what it was, then I have issue with it.” This statement reflects his empowered perspective and his effort to reclaim the narrative around narcissism through understanding and self-awareness.
Beyond his health diagnosis, the article also touches upon Cannon’s personal life as a father of twelve. He shared details about his Thanksgiving plans, indicating a “very complicated” schedule to spend time with all his children during the holidays. While this aspect provides a glimpse into his personal life, the primary focus remains on Nick Cannon’s health diagnosis and his journey towards mental well-being.
In conclusion, Nick Cannon’s openness about his narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis is a significant step in his personal journey and a valuable contribution to the broader conversation about mental health. By sharing his experience, Cannon is not only shedding light on NPD but also advocating for acceptance, self-awareness, and the importance of seeking help for mental health concerns. His proactive approach and willingness to speak candidly make him a notable figure in promoting mental health awareness within the public sphere.
