Nick Cannon, the host of The Masked Singer and father of 12, has revealed his diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The announcement, which he made during his Counsel Culture podcast in November, is part of Cannon’s broader effort to embrace mental health awareness and therapy.
“I Need Help”- Nick Cannon
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Cannon, 44, explained his journey toward understanding his diagnosis. “I still don’t understand it all the way, but I kind of always wanted to get tested for it,” he shared. Previously diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Cannon noted that his neurodivergence has been a lifelong factor. “Just knowing that I’m a neurodivergent individual, I kind of always knew something was there,” he added.
The entertainer emphasized his proactive approach to his mental health. “To be able to embrace it and say, ‘Look, I’m healing. I need help. Show me,’ is empowering,” he said. Cannon also highlighted how he uses therapy as both a personal tool and a way to set an example for others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, NPD is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. While Cannon acknowledged some traits of the disorder, such as overconfidence, he clarified, “I don’t have things like lack of empathy or rage.”
Turning Diagnosis Into Growth
Cannon’s candidness about his diagnosis extends beyond personal reflection. On his podcast, he spoke about how understanding the “spectrum” of narcissism has been enlightening. “I’ve taken all the power away from the term narcissism because I’ve researched it and I understand it,” he explained.
Beyond his mental health journey, Cannon also juggles the responsibilities of fatherhood, especially during the holidays. He recently shared how he balances time with his 12 children. “It’s very complicated. I’m a busy man on Thanksgiving,” he joked, describing visits to multiple homes and plans for snowy adventures in December.
Cannon’s openness about his diagnosis underscores his commitment to destigmatizing mental health discussions. “I just embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way,” he affirmed, reflecting a hopeful path toward growth and healing.