Hot 21 Radio

The Source | Lil Wayne Details Suicide Attempt at 12 Years Old . Lil Wayne shares his challenges with mental health including a childhood...

38, said hes hoping to help anyone else out there whos dealing with mental health problems by being vulnerable and brave and sharing his journey. Advertisement What I wish they knew is that its real, Lil Wayne said. That its real. There is no bar to measure how real. Its real. Wayne said he struggled with mental health issues since the age of 10 years-old. During his adolescence he hit a low point when his mother, Jacida Carter learned he had been skipping school. Fearing that she would tell him he had to stop rapping, he attempted to take his own life at just 12-years old. Lil Wayne said he called the police and then went into his mothers bedroom to get her gun. He initially held the gun to his head but got scared and instead decided to shoot himself in the chest. Aiming for his heart, he just missed his artery. I didnt feel a thing, he recalled. As he went into shock Tha Carter rapper woke up to banging on the door as the police were responding to his call. Wayne recounts being put in a squad car and being raced to the hospital. In New Orleans waiting for an ambulance would take too long. He also recalled the sheriff telling him over and over, Youre not going to die on me. Lil Wayne goes on to explain his pain of hopelessness came from feeling he couldnt express himself to his mom. However as a result of his attempted suicide their relationshipwould never be the same. What I never said was: The mom that I knew before that day I have never met or seen or heard that lady again in my life, Wayne stated. So I didnt die that day, but somebody was gone. Shes never been that way . After seeing her sons troubles and learning to support him. Wayne adds Changed life for her, and our whole family. The New Orleans native also spoke about how his mental health issues didnt disappear as he gained fame, he wondered in his 20s when its all over would anyone care about him apart from the music he created. The 38-year-old now says hes in a better place and so happy being able to what he loves. He credits using prayer to with help him when he struggles with his emotions. Weezy says being able to perform, create and help people make him happiest. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741. Read more