Presley Gerber, the 26-year-old son of legendary supermodel Cindy Crawford, has once again captured attention by sharing candid details of his struggle with mental health issues. In an emotional video message posted on his Instagram account on Monday, the model elaborated on the distressing aspects of his condition, including nightmares and panic attacks, as well as his use of potent medications. This revelation comes particularly sharply in the wake of his previous statements about depression and the now-removed facial tattoo of “Misunderstood,” which once sparked widespread discussion in the media and tattoo community.
Presley Gerber: A Battle for Clarity
In a black and white video filmed in a sauna, Gerber emphasized the importance of honesty, aiming to bring clarity to his life for his followers. He openly stated that he is currently taking 1 mg of Suboxone twice a day – a medication used to treat pain and opioid use disorder. Additionally, he mentioned “fluctuations” in his use of benzodiazepines (benzos), which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, slow down brain and nervous system activity, helping with anxiety and related mental health conditions.
In addition to these medications, Presley spoke about a small dose of Xanax he takes at night or during particularly severe panic attacks, as well as Valium in the mornings. “Doctors say a lot of different things, and it’s pretty scary,” he admitted, expressing his confusion regarding treatment protocols. He noted that he hopes to find solutions to his problems through his own research, the help of specialists, and “peace and God.”
Gerber linked his current state to recent losses in various forms, though he did not specify their nature. It is known that in May of this year, the Crawford-Gerber family experienced the loss of their pet dog, Widget, who had been with them for almost two decades. Presley’s younger sister, Kaia Gerber, also dedicated a touching post in memory of their beloved pet.
The model shared that he has suffered from mental health problems since childhood, calling them the “main pandemic.” He also expressed his frustration with the lack of clear instructions from doctors: “I wish doctors would say, ‘Take this three times a day.’ But every psychiatrist, and I’ve had fifteen, says, ‘Here are 20 medications, take this if you feel like this, take this as needed.’ And I’m like, ‘No, don’t give me that much freedom. I need some direction.'”
The Path to Healing: Changes and Support
As part of his recovery journey, Presley Gerber is actively working to create a supportive environment. He admitted that despite loving many people in Hollywood, he is currently trying to avoid some of them. He also took an important step by giving up alcohol; he last consumed it on his birthday, July 2nd.
The main goal of his candor is to help others. “I hope this reaches people in a lot of ways, so you feel like you’re not alone, because that’s how I feel most of the time,” Gerber said. He expressed hope that his story will help others realize they are not alone in their struggles and perhaps find those who can help.
At the age of 23, Presley began posting weekly as part of his “Mental Mondays” project on his Instagram page to openly discuss mental health issues. In 2023, on the Studio 22 podcast, he stated: “It’s such a huge part of my life. It’s a 24/7 thing, and there’s so much to it. It’s really what I want to do – help people, whether you’re depressed or struggling with something that’s negatively affecting your body.”
Tattoos as a Reflection of the Inner World: An Expert View from tatufoto.com
Presley Gerber’s story is closely intertwined with tattoo culture, offering valuable context for understanding its role in a person’s life, especially during times of crisis. His journey in the world of tattoos began at 15, and he quickly “ran out of space” for new designs, ceasing active tattooing around the age of 20-21. But the most iconic, undoubtedly, was the “Misunderstood” tattoo on the right side of his face, which he first revealed in 2020 and later removed.
- Facial Tattoos: A Symbol of Defiance and Vulnerability. Facial tattoos have always been a powerful statement, eliciting strong reactions. In the past, they were often associated with specific subcultures or the criminal underworld. However, in recent years, they have become increasingly common, especially among young celebrities and creative professionals, becoming a symbol of individuality and a refusal to conform to societal norms. In Presley’s case, the “Misunderstood” inscription on his face was a cry for help, a visual embodiment of his inner turmoil and feeling of alienation. It’s not just an adornment but a direct message to the world about his state. For tatufoto.com, this is a vivid example of how a tattoo serves not only as an aesthetic choice but also as a profound psychological marker, reflecting inner conflict or a desire to be seen and understood.
- Tattoo Removal: Reevaluation and a New Chapter. Presley’s decision to remove the facial tattoo speaks volumes. Tattoo removal is not just a cosmetic procedure; it is often a symbolic act signifying the closing of a particular chapter in life, a reevaluation of oneself, or a desire for a fresh start. For many, it is a step towards shedding reminders of past mistakes, impulsive decisions, or periods when they felt differently. In the context of Presley’s struggle with mental health, the removal of “Misunderstood” can be interpreted as a desire to shed the label he himself imposed, or as part of the healing process, a pursuit of a clearer and less “misunderstood” future. This confirms the dynamic nature of tattoos and life: what seemed important at one moment may cease to be so at another.
- “Ran Out of Space” and Impulsivity: The Flip Side of Tattoo Collecting. Presley’s statement that he “quickly ran out of space” for tattoos reflects a common trend among tattoo enthusiasts. Often, after starting to get tattooed at a young age, people get carried away with the process, not always thinking through a long-term placement strategy. This can lead to a chaotic filling of the body, where each subsequent element makes it difficult to create a harmonious overall composition. During periods of emotional instability, tattoos can be a quick, but not always well-thought-out, form of self-expression or even a form of self-harm. Stopping tattooing between the ages of 20 and 21 may indicate a period of reflection and a more conscious approach to one’s body.
Presley Gerber’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every image on the skin lies a human story, emotions, and sometimes deep inner experiences. For the tattoo community, it is a reason to reflect on support, mindfulness, and how tattoos can serve as both a tool for self-expression and an indicator of personal struggle. Presley’s revelations underscore the importance of dialogue about mental health and its inseparable connection to how we choose to adorn and present ourselves to the world, whether through tattoos or other forms of self-expression.
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