Presley Gerber just shared something deeply personal with his followers.
The 26-year-old model opened up about his mental health struggles in a candid Instagram video that’s resonating with thousands who face similar battles.
Son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and brother to Kaia Gerber, Presley’s vulnerability offers a rare glimpse into the reality behind the glamorous facade.
His message? You’re not alone in this fight.
The Weight of Loss and Medication Management
In his December 1st Instagram post, Presley didn’t hold back about what he’s been experiencing lately.
I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently. That is not an excuse, but it’s the reason—or part of—why I am where I’m at now.
The young model revealed he’s currently taking several medications to manage his mental health, including Valium (which calms the central nervous system), buprenorphine (used to treat pain and opioid use disorders), and Xanax for severe panic attacks.
But medication management hasn’t been straightforward. Presley expressed frustration with what many mental health patients experience: confusion about proper medication protocols.
Navigating the Healthcare System
Every psychiatrist I’ve had—and I’ve had, like, 15—they’re all like, ‘Here’s 20 medications. Take this if you feel like this, take this as needed.’ And I’m like, ‘No, don’t give me that much leeway. I need some direction.’
This sentiment highlights a significant challenge in mental health treatment: the need for clear, structured guidance rather than overwhelming autonomy.
Research shows that patients with anxiety and depression often struggle when given too many “as-needed” medication options without clear protocols. Structured treatment plans with specific timing and dosage instructions typically produce better outcomes than open-ended prescriptions.
Cutting Out Alcohol and Reevaluating Relationships
Beyond medication, Presley discussed lifestyle changes he’s implementing to support his mental health recovery.
He revealed he’s largely eliminated alcohol from his routine because it was “no longer serving” him—a decision that aligns with mental health experts’ recommendations.
Alcohol and mental health medications can be a dangerous combination. Mixing substances like Xanax or Valium with alcohol intensifies sedative effects, increases overdose risk, and can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms.
Perhaps more challenging than giving up alcohol? Reassessing friendships and social circles.
I’ve grown up in Hollywood, and there’s a lot of people around that I love to death, but right now, I try not to be around them.
Presley emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with “good influences”—people who support his recovery rather than enable destructive patterns.
Why Social Circles Matter in Recovery
Setting boundaries with friends, even beloved ones, represents one of recovery’s most difficult steps.
Mental health professionals consistently identify social environment as critical to treatment success. Studies demonstrate that individuals surrounded by supportive relationships show significantly better outcomes in managing anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
Creating distance from triggering relationships—particularly in environments like Hollywood where substance use and partying culture remain prevalent—often becomes necessary for healing.
Breaking Isolation Through Vulnerability
Presley’s motivation for sharing his story centers on connection and reducing stigma.
I’m hoping this reaches people in many ways so you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time. I have a feeling if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it.
This feeling of isolation remains remarkably common among people struggling with mental health issues, regardless of fame or fortune.
Despite growing awareness around mental health, many still suffer in silence, believing they’re uniquely broken or weak.
The Power of Public Disclosure
When public figures share mental health struggles, research shows measurable impacts:
- Reduced stigma around seeking treatment
- Increased help-seeking behavior among those previously reluctant
- Normalization of mental health challenges as common human experiences
- Validation for individuals feeling isolated in their struggles
Presley’s willingness to discuss specific medications, treatment challenges, and lifestyle changes provides concrete details that abstract awareness campaigns often lack.
What This Means for Mental Health Conversations
Presley Gerber’s disclosure represents more than celebrity news—it exemplifies shifting attitudes toward mental health transparency.
His frustration with fragmented psychiatric care reflects systemic issues many patients face. The mental healthcare system often struggles to provide consistent, coordinated treatment with clear protocols.
Patients cycling through multiple providers without cohesive treatment plans frequently experience worse outcomes than those receiving integrated care.
For anyone relating to Presley’s experience, mental health experts recommend:
- Advocating for clear medication protocols with specific instructions rather than open-ended “as-needed” prescriptions
- Requesting written treatment plans outlining goals, timelines, and expected outcomes
- Seeking providers who coordinate care rather than working in isolation
- Building support networks with people who genuinely support recovery
- Eliminating or reducing alcohol when taking psychiatric medications
Recovery rarely follows straight lines. Presley’s honesty about struggling “most of the time” acknowledges what polished recovery narratives often omit: healing is messy, nonlinear, and requires ongoing effort.
His message ultimately comes down to connection—both for himself and those watching. By sharing vulnerability publicly, he’s created space for others to acknowledge their own struggles without shame.
That might be the most therapeutic part of all.