Presley Gerber just did something remarkably brave.
In a raw seven-minute video posted to Instagram, Cindy Crawford’s 26-year-old son opened up about his ongoing mental health struggles with a level of transparency rarely seen from celebrities.
He didn’t just share vague inspirational messages about “getting help” — he broke down his entire medication regimen, his darkest moments, and the frustrating reality of navigating mental healthcare.
His mother’s heartfelt response in the comments showed just how much his vulnerability meant to those who love him.
A Vulnerable Update From Inside a Sauna
Filmed in black-and-white while sitting in a sauna, Presley’s video was anything but polished — and that was precisely the point.
The model, whose parents are supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, began by saying he believes “honesty is the best policy” before diving into where he currently stands in his mental health journey.
Let’s just give you an update. I feel like honesty is the best policy. Long story short, where I’m at currently.
What followed was a detailed breakdown of his current treatment plan that most public figures would never dare share publicly.
The Medications He’s Taking
Presley didn’t hold back when listing his prescriptions, acknowledging he’s currently taking buprenorphine — an opioid medication typically used to treat opioid use disorder.
He also discussed his use of benzodiazepines, specifically Xanax and Valium, medications commonly prescribed for anxiety but known for their addictive potential and difficult withdrawal symptoms.
The benzos have been fluctuating up and down depending on what’s been going on in my life. Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of loss in many different forms recently, so that is not an excuse, but it’s the reason why I am where I’m at now.
He explained that he takes Xanax “a little bit at night or when the panic attacks are really, really bad,” trying to minimize his use as much as possible. Valium, meanwhile, is part of his morning routine, though he admitted uncertainty about whether his dosage qualifies as “a little bit or a lot.”
The doctors say a lot of different things, so it’s kind of scary, but hopefully, between my research and their research and the world and God, we can figure this out.
Beyond Anxiety: PTSD and Night Terrors
Presley’s medication list extended beyond anxiety treatment. He’s also taking Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, and Prazosin, typically a blood pressure medication that he uses for a different purpose.
According to Presley, Prazosin helps manage his “night terrors and PTSD,” conditions that suggest deeper trauma beyond general anxiety or depression.
He described these four medication classes as his main treatments, but noted he also keeps “comfort meds” on hand — additional prescriptions he can take when doctors advise lowering dosages on his primary medications, a process he called “cuts.”
The Frightening Reality of Medication Dependence
Perhaps the most chilling part of Presley’s update was his frank discussion about medication dependence and withdrawal.
The things that scare me are the things that you need to take. So once you start taking them, if you don’t take them, something not good happens. And, obviously, here’s a spectrum there on how intense the ‘withdrawal’ is from certain medications is.
His concern is medically valid — benzodiazepine withdrawal, in particular, can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not properly managed. Stopping these medications abruptly can trigger seizures, severe anxiety, and other serious complications.
This creates a difficult paradox for those who take them: the medications that provide relief also create physical dependence that makes discontinuation extraordinarily challenging.
Frustration With Medical Guidance
One of Presley’s biggest frustrations centers on inconsistent medical advice. Despite working with 15 different psychiatrists, he still feels directionless.
It sucks because I don’t have as much direction as I’d like to have. I’d like doctors to be like, ‘Hey, Dude. You take this three times a day …’ But every psychiatrist I’ve had — and I’ve had 15 — are just like, ‘Well, here’s 20 medications and take this if you feel like this, 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.
His experience highlights a common problem in mental health treatment: the challenge of finding consistent, personalized care. The “as-needed” approach to multiple medications can feel overwhelming, especially during mental health crises when decision-making itself becomes impaired.
Seeking Better Influences
Growing up in Hollywood comes with unique pressures, something Presley acknowledged directly. He’s actively working to change his social environment to support his recovery.
As I’ve grown up in Hollywood, there’s a lot of people around me that I love to death, but right now I try not to be around them.
He’s hoping to “find a good community” of people who will be positive influences rather than triggers for unhealthy behaviors.
A Major Victory: Stopping Alcohol
Among the challenges, Presley shared one significant success: he’s stopped drinking alcohol and hasn’t had a drink since his birthday in July.
That is no longer serving me.
He clarified that drinking hasn’t been a major issue in recent years anyway, with only “one or two nights maybe of drinking in the last few years.” Still, eliminating it entirely represents an important commitment to his mental health recovery.
NAD and Ketamine Treatments
Presley also revealed he “sometimes” uses NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and ketamine IV drips, typically when he needs to “hardcore detox” from other substances.
NAD therapy has gained popularity as a treatment for addiction and withdrawal, while ketamine infusions are increasingly used for treatment-resistant depression. However, Presley admitted he “probably” uses them more than he should and that they’re “not serving” him in their current frequency.
He expressed hope that he’ll find a doctor who can help him taper off medications properly so he won’t need these intensive interventions again.
Why He Shared His Story
Presley concluded his video by explaining his motivation for such radical transparency. He wants others struggling with similar issues to feel less alone — because that’s exactly how he feels “most of the time.”
I’m hoping this reaches people in many ways. A. So you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time, and I have a feeling that if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it. And the second thing is, hopefully I find some people out here that are willing to help and/or are people that know someone that can help.
His vulnerability wasn’t just about catharsis — it was a genuine call for connection and assistance.
His Mother’s Touching Response
Among the flood of supportive comments from family, friends, and fans, Cindy Crawford’s message stood out for its simplicity and warmth.
Presley — we love you and you are not alone. 😘
Her words echoed exactly what her son was seeking: the reassurance that despite how isolating mental health struggles can feel, he’s surrounded by people who care deeply about his wellbeing.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.