The Complicated Life Of Kurt Cobain

He Suffered From Depression & Was Possibly Bipolar

Photo credit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

According to Cobain’s cousin, Bev Cobain, a registered nurse, he had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and bipolar disorder (manic depression), which is characterized by mood swings, irritability, and other symptoms. The disorder is difficult to treat, and Bev is the only one to claim that he had it. It’s clear that Cobain suffered from some form of depression. As a child, he would often withdraw to his bedroom and seclude himself. His mantra was: “I hate myself and want to die.” He wrote it in his journals and often mentioned it during interviews. He had frenetic energy and would often become enraged, leading many to believe he was bipolar.

Read about Kurt’s tragic family history next.