Rapper Jeezy, Jeannie Mai's estranged husband, reveals 8-year battle with depression

Jeezy is revealing an eight-year-long battle with depression and how he’s accepting vulnerability.

The 46-year-old rapper and author — who filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai last month — shared on the "Tamron Hall Show" this week that he did not know he was dealing with mental health issues, including anxiety at times.

"I learned that vulnerability is power," Jeezy, born Jay Wayne Jenkins, told Hall. He originally shared the realization in his memoir, "Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe," released on Aug. 8.

"I thought that something was wrong with me, thinking I come from poverty and this is how it is. I didn't understand trauma and all these different things," he continued. "So as I started to get the wordage for it, and started to understand and grab tools, I started to become better."

The "Soul Survivor" rapper told Hall his depression during that eight-year period felt like waking up and wanting to "go back to sleep forever."

"I was leaning into my vices. And that's what street life does to you," he said. "You get numb. And I wasn't able to get in touch with my emotions, and I was wondering why."

Jeezy says 'love and respect for Jeannie' remain amid divorce

The interview came out a month after Jeezy filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai, 44, after two years of marriage. The filing said "the marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken" and "there is no hope for reconciliation."

On Oct. 19, he broke his silence on the couple's split, telling People and E! News in a statement that “The decision to end this chapter in my life was not made impulsively and comes with a heavy heart. Despite this, my love and respect for Jeannie remains and the time we spent together holds a cherished place in my heart.”

According to the divorce documents, Jeezy is seeking joint legal custody of their daughter, born in January 2022.

"Our beautiful daughter is the best gift from our relationship and I am committed to assuring she feels the love and stability she deserves," he said in his Oct. 19 statement. "During this period, I kindly request that you respect our family's privacy as we focus on healing."

Mai, former talk show host of "The Real," and the rapper quietly wed in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They got engaged while quarantining a year prior.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach someone with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They're available 24 hours a day and provide services in multiple languages.

Celebrity breakups of 2023: Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson, Teyana Taylor, and more

What is languishing? Alonely? A mental health glossary to explain what you're feeling

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeezy reveals depression battle amid Jeannie Mai divorce