Neurodivergent Celebrities who live with hypermobility, MCAS, or POTS

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders that often coexist with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and Tourette syndrome. Additionally, many individuals with EDS or HSD experience related conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Several celebrities have openly discussed their experiences living with these conditions, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma. This article highlights some of these public figures and their journeys.

Billie Eilish

Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish has been candid about her diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary tics. In 2018, she revealed her condition after videos of her tics surfaced online, stating that she was diagnosed as a child and has managed her symptoms privately.

In addition to Tourette Syndrome, Eilish has discussed her experience with hypermobility. Injuries due to her hypermobility led her to shift her focus from dance to music. She expressed frustration over the physical challenges she faces: "A lot of it came from my anger toward my body, and how mad I was at how much pain it's caused me, and how much I've lost because of things that happened to it."

Billie Eilish has also shared her struggles with depression, panic attacks, MCAS, and POTS,.  She has been open about various health issues that have impacted her life and career.

Sia

Australian singer-songwriter Sia disclosed in 2019 that she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. In May 2023, she revealed that she is also on the autism spectrum. "I'm on the spectrum, and I'm in recovery and whatever. There's a lot of things," she said during an interview. Sia's openness has been significant in raising awareness about EDS and neurodivergent conditions.

Sia has also mentioned dealing with chronic pain and other health issues, which are common among individuals with EDS. Her willingness to share her experiences has helped others feel less alone in their struggles.

Lena Dunham

Actress and writer Lena Dunham has shared her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and ADHD since childhood. She discussed the shame associated with psychiatric medication and emphasized the importance of seeking help: "When you have anxiety and then you have shame about your anxiety, you're punishing yourself twice."

Dunham has also been open about her diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She has used her platform to advocate for greater understanding of chronic illnesses like EDS, which can cause joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and other systemic issues. Despite her health challenges, she continues to pursue her passions and encourages others to do the same.

Jameela Jamil

British actress and activist Jameela Jamil has been vocal about living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, ADHD, and PTSD. She has also shared that she experiences symptoms of POTS and MCAS, which are conditions that often co-occur with EDS.

Jamil has used her platform to raise awareness about invisible illnesses and mental health. In 2019, she revealed her struggles with PTSD following a suicide attempt six years prior, urging others to seek support: "Ask for help if you need it. Because things can turn around. I promise."

Her transparency about her health has contributed significantly to public understanding of these conditions, highlighting the importance of empathy and support for those affected.

Halsey

Singer Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, has been open about her multiple health diagnoses. After giving birth to her son in 2021, she experienced a series of health issues and was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Sjögren's syndrome.

She shared her journey toward getting a diagnosis after years of unexplained symptoms and being dismissed by medical professionals. Halsey stated, "It took me a long time to get to even having a diagnosis so I'm celebrating!"

On Twitter, Halsey confirmed her ADHD diagnosis, saying, "I do have ADHD I'm medicated!"

Her openness about her health challenges has shed light on the complexities of living with multiple chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.

Daine

Daine, a Filipino-Australian musician, has shared her experiences living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and autism spectrum disorder. In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, she discussed the challenges of managing multiple conditions and the impact on her life and music career.

Daine's openness contributes to greater awareness and understanding of these complex disorders, inspiring others who face similar health issues to seek support and pursue their passions.

Michael Phelps

Famously hypermobile olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has spoken about his ADHD diagnosis and how swimming helped him manage his symptoms. His mother, Debbie Phelps, emphasized the importance of structure and support in helping Michael channel his energy positively.

Michael Phelps has become a role model for many individuals with ADHD, demonstrating how neurodivergence can coexist with exceptional achievement. His story underscores the value of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent individuals in various settings.

Russell Kane

British comedian Russell Kane has opened up about living with ADHD and EDS. His experiences highlight the challenges and misconceptions associated with adult ADHD and the importance of understanding and accommodations.

By sharing his journey, Kane contributes to destigmatizing ADHD and encourages open conversations about mental health and neurodiversity.

Conclusion

These celebrities' willingness to share their personal health journeys has been instrumental in increasing public awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, and neurodivergent conditions. Many have also highlighted related conditions like MCAS and POTS, which often coexist with EDS and HSD. Their stories underscore the importance of empathy, proper diagnosis, and support for individuals living with these conditions. By speaking out, they inspire others facing similar challenges and contribute to a broader understanding of invisible illnesses.

References

• Barr, Sabrina. "Jameela Jamil says she tried to take her own life six years ago: ‘I’m so lucky that I survived’." The Independent, 11 Oct. 2019, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/jameela-jamil-world-mental-health-day-tweet-suicide-attempt-ask-help-support-a9151531.html.
• Carpenter, Cassie. "Halsey shares tour rehearsal footage... and reveals she 'was called crazy and anxious and lazy' before finally getting diagnosed after 8 years of sickness." Daily Mail, 12 May 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10811397/Halsey-called-crazy-anxious-lazy-getting-diagnosed-8-years-sickness.html.
• Dutton, Judy. "How Swimming Saved Michael Phelps: An ADHD Story." ADDitude Magazine, 31 July 2024, https://www.additudemag.com/michael-phelps-adhd-advice-from-the-olympians-mom/.
• Engelman, Nicole. "Billie Eilish Reveals She Has Tourette Syndrome After Compilation of Her Tics Emerges Online." Billboard, 27 Nov. 2018, https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-tourette-syndrome-diagnosis-8486878/.
• France, Lisa Respers. "Sia reveals she is on the autism spectrum." CNN, 30 May 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/31/entertainment/sia-autism/index.html.
• Harris, David. "Celebrities with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility." December 2023.
• Harris, David. "Celebrities with POTS and Dysautonomia." March 2024, https://www.eds.clinic/articles/celebrities-with-histamine-intolerance.
• Harris, David. "Celebrities with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and HaT." December 2023, https://www.eds.clinic/articles/celebrities-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-mcas.
• @halsey. "I do have adhd I’m medicated!" Twitter, 11 Dec. 2021, https://twitter.com/halsey/status/1469774726650228740.
• Williams, Abigail. "Lena Dunham Slams The Shame Associated With Psychiatric Medication." HuffPost, 8 Feb. 2017, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lena-dunham-anxiety-ocd-medication_n_589b3a66e4b04061313a9393.

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