Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is known for his raw honesty about mental health, addiction and personal struggles.
Before he became famous, he faced incarceration, substance abuse problems and deep emotional turmoil.
But instead of shying away from his past, he’s made it central to his music: turning pain into something that resonates with millions of people.
His battle with depression
Jelly Roll has spoken openly about living with severe depression and mood instability. In interviews and social media posts, he has described experiencing emotional extremes, feelings of intense productivity followed by deep lows.
He once said, “I’m struggling with severe depression,” emphasizing that mental health problems can persist even when life seems successful.
Addiction and rock bottom
In addition to depression, Jelly Roll also battled addiction, which became a way to cope with his emotional pain. His early life included time in prison, where he began to confront his actions and mental health. His music often reflects this phase, stories of regret, guilt and a longing for redemption.
“As an addict, it was hard for me to escape,” he said.
Songs like Lonely road And Amen explore themes of internal struggle, faith and the search for meaning.
Turn his life around
What makes Jelly Roll’s story powerful is his transformation. He began to focus on responsibility, self-forgiveness and helping others. He has spoken about wanting to support those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and has even expressed plans to create a space for recovery and healing.
Using his platform for awareness
Jelly Roll is now using its platform to advocate for mental health awareness. He consistently reminds fans that wrestling doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.
