Jessie J Opens Up About ADHD/OCD Diagnosis: ‘I Have Always Been Honest in the Journey I’m Going Through’
Jessie J revealed to her fans on Saturday that she was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive behavior (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder three months ago and that the information has helped her understand a lot about her struggles as a child and adult.
In the lengthy post that was accompanied by a vintage video of Jessie singing “Out Here On My Own” from Fame as a teen and a more recent video of her singing Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” the 36-year-old star explained how her diagnoses have affected how she thinks about herself.
“I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD about 3 months ago. In telling people a lot of the reaction I got was ‘Yeah I mean we knew that’ (which I’m sure some of you are doing right now) 😂 and ofcourse I knew to some extent but having a baby has let’s say… exposed it a lot more 🤪🥴which was comforting in a way, as it made it feel less heavy and scary,” she wrote. “But also in moments has made me feel like I can’t talk about it. F*** that. Here I am talking about it. Embracing it with the 🌎 😂.”
Jessie, who welcomed son Sky with partner Chanan Colman in 2023, added that, “It’s weird when you know you have been a little different and felt things differently your whole life, and finally one day when you least expect it, someone really explains why and you can’t avoid it. ADHD has such a wide spectrum it’s like a mystery putting your version of it together, that’s how it’s felt for me. In really understanding ways to cope, excel and grow with it. Tbh I low key feel like it’s a superpower as long as you look at it from the right perspective and have the right support and people around you that can navigate it with you.”
The new information has made Jessie think about her life in a whole new way, she said. “The way I’ve been, the way I deal with things. The relationships I have had. How I work and how I love,” Jessie wrote. “It’s empowered me and honestly sometimes has overwhelmed me all at the same time. If there is one thing social media has given me, it’s the chance to relate, connect and heal with strangers that have kinds hearts and are going through a similar thing. I have always been honest in the journey I’m going through in life.”
Understanding that there are many people who are going through the same struggles — more than 366 million adults worldwide were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2020 and approximately 1%-3% of the global population has OCD — Jessie said, “I’m honestly just reaching out to hold your hand and because I need mine held too. I have no boundaries lol we know that. It has made me love myself even more. I’m hugging 11 year old me. Who would clean her trainers with a toothbrush when she was stressed and to this day has lived with a 1000 lists to not feel like life will crumble 😂.”
In 2020, Jessie wrote a series of Instagram posts in which she revealed that she’d been hospitalized with the inner ear condition Meniere’s disease, which can cause severe vertigo and which left her unable to walk and deaf in one hear. She’s also previously opened up about having a stroke when she was 18 as well as a painful throat condition and miscarriage in 2021.
The singer ended with a uplifting note about how the diagnosis has allowed her to love and understand herself even better. “Here’s to getting to know yourself even more through life,” she wrote. “And loving yourself all the way. Nothing in life defines us, but it helps us grow and become a more wholesome version of ourselves.”
Back in September, Jessie announced that after a 17-year-run with Republic Records she had split with her longtime label and plans to release her next project independently.
See Jessie’s post below.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) is available 24/7.
Gil Kaufman
Billboard
