Presley Gerber: Opening Up About Mental Health And Finding His Voice

Growing Up in the Spotlight

Presley Gerber, born on July 2, 1999, is the child of iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber. With a lineage steeped in the fashion world, it seemed almost destiny that Presley and his sister Kaia would embrace the modeling industry. Presley himself has graced runways for giants like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, but life under the public eye comes with its own set of pressures.

Cindy Crawford, a beacon of style and poise, opened up in a 2015 interview with Time about her parenting philosophy. “In my kids, I see acceptance. Kids are not born seeing otherness. They’re born open... The rest gets trained into us by watching the news, our own parents and how people react. And all of that is rooted in insecurity. As a parent, I try to lead by example and instill in my children self-confidence while showing my own vulnerability." Her words reflect a desire for her children to grow up with a sense of self-awareness and openness.

Mental Health Struggles

Despite a supportive upbringing, Presley faced his own internal battles. Known for his striking tattoos, including the word “MISUNDERSTOOD” on his face which he has since removed, Presley has been candid about his mental health challenges. Through his "Mental Health Mondays" on Instagram, Presley's transparency has sparked conversations and headlines.

In a raw Instagram post, Presley shared his complex medication regimen, describing his reliance on Buprenorphine and benzodiazepines as part of his mental health journey. "Here’s some clarity for ya — the truth will set you free (hopefully) haha," he wrote, highlighting the heavy yet hopeful tone of his message.

“The benzos have been fluctuating up and down depending on what’s been going on in my life," he shared.

A Mission for Awareness

Presley's journey isn't just about self-discovery; it's about creating a broader impact. On the Studio 22 podcast, he expressed his ambition to transform his struggles into a platform for mental health advocacy. "Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place that I was in at one point in my life, that's all I need to do," he told the hosts.

The idea of launching a mental health-inspired clothing line is part of his vision to increase awareness and support for those suffering. For Presley, it's about providing help without judgment, offering a lifeline to those in need. "That's really what I want to do: help people, whether you're depressed, you're struggling with something that is having a negative effect on your body. I mean it could be anything, and there's no judgment."

Presley Gerber's candidness about his personal battles and his drive to help others reflect a poignant journey of turning pain into purpose, making his story not just a personal revelation but a public mission.