Ellen DeGeneres revealed that she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD after stepping out of the spotlight following accusations of fostering a toxic work environment.
The former host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show opened up about the aging process in her latest Netflix special, For Your Approval, released on Tuesday.
At 66, DeGeneres shared that a bone density test confirmed she has full-blown osteoporosis, humorously describing herself as a “human sandcastle” who might disintegrate in the shower.
Osteoporosis, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a condition marked by a decrease in bone mineral density and mass, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
DeGeneres also revealed she had been living with severe pain and was diagnosed with arthritis, initially thinking it was a ligament injury before learning it was part of aging.
The comedian admitted that accepting the aging process while trying to remain “cool” has been a challenge.
After dealing with fan backlash and negativity, DeGeneres sought therapy, which led to her diagnoses of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
OCD involves repetitive, uncontrollable thoughts and behaviours, as defined by the NIH. DeGeneres confessed that she hadn’t known about OCD because of her Christian Science upbringing, a religion that doesn’t recognise diseases or disorders. She also discovered that OCD can be hereditary, recognising similar traits in her father.
DeGeneres also spoke about her struggles with ADHD, a developmental disorder characterised by inattention and hyperactivity, joking about her difficulty in focusing and recalling her frequent struggles to piece her thoughts together.
Reflecting on her health and mental challenges, she concluded with humour, saying that despite her conditions, she feels “well-adjusted” due to her habit of obsessing over things and her short attention span.
Additionally, she addressed the public controversy over her alleged toxic workplace, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself rather than being weighed down by others’ opinions.
