English singer-songwriter Jessie J says she feels “empowered” after being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
The 36-year-old shared the health update in an Instagram post over the weekend, three months after her official diagnoses.
The “Price Tag” singer said she started noticing signs of the disorders after welcoming her son Sky, with partner Chanan Colman last year.
“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. But also in moments has made me feel like I can’t talk about it,” she wrote.
ADHD is considered one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, with symptoms beginning in childhood and often lasting into adulthood, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can result in difficulty paying attention or controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active.
“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,” she said.
Obssessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), on the other hand, features a pattern of unwanted thoughts, fears or obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. According to the Mayo Clinic, these obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and can cause significant distress.
Despite her struggles, the singer hopes to raise awareness while helping others in similar situations understand and cope.
“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,” she said.
The Grammy-nominated artist admits her diagnoses have had her re-thinking her outlook on life, specifically how she handles her relationships, work, and how she loves.
“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 kind hearts and are going through a similar thing. I have always been honest in the journey I’m going through in life.”
The singer had been candid about her health journey in the past, opening up to fans in 2020 about being hospitalized for Meniere’s disease, which left her temporarily deaf in one ear and unable to walk properly. The condition affects the inner-ear and can cause vertigo, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“I know there are so many people that are going through this same thing and I’m honestly just reaching out to hold your hand and because I need mine held too,” she wrote.
At 18 years of age she also suffered a stroke, as a result of early onset heart problems and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which can cause an irregular heartbeat.
Opening up about the ordeal at the Delete Bone Cancer Gala in 2020, the singer said she never thought she would get better and is grateful she can still perform.
“I feel so lucky that I was given a second chance at life, so every day when I am able to do this, you have no idea how amazing it feels that I’m so lucky to be onstage and singing and living my dream,” she said.