Professional struggles aside, Mick Mars has also managed several mental health challenges throughout his life, as he revealed in 2002’s “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” a Mötley Crüe autobiography Mars co-wrote with the other band members. Per AV Club, Mars writes in the book that he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking, and lack of motivation, according to Psychiatry. He’s also struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. In the Mötley Crüe memoir “The Dirt,” Mars recounted a particularly harrowing experience when he was so inebriated he walked into the ocean in order to kill himself, only to wake up a short time later. When he returned to the rest of the band, he wondered if he might be a ghost.
Substance use disorder has also been an ongoing challenge for the musician. Per The Fix, Mars has been sober since at least 2012, when he said, “I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I don’t have many vices, except playing my guitar too much,” he says. “I guess I’m kind of a boring guy these days. But that’s how I’m gonna keep going with Mötley Crüe as long as I can” (via The Fix). According to Mars, his playing has improved with sobriety. “[I]t’s really helped,” he said. “I’m still no gentleman,” he added, “I’m still as big an a****** as ever.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).