In a candid reveal, comedian Ellen DeGeneres has shared her recent diagnoses of multiple health conditions.
During her Netflix comedy special "For Your Approval," Ellen DeGeneres discussed her struggles with osteoporosis, OCD, ADHD, and arthritis, New York Post reported.
Ellen DeGeneres, aged 66, used her latest and last Netflix special to disclose major personal revelations. She revealed multiple recent health diagnoses following the controversial ending of her long-running talk show in 2020. The termination was spurred by allegations of a toxic work environment.
The comedian's health journey began after her talk show concluded. It was during therapy sessions to address the backlash that she discovered her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Ellen DeGeneres said, "Aging is no joke." Highlighting the unexpected nature of her arthritis, she expressed her shock at being diagnosed after believing she had a severe ligament injury.
In her revealing special, Ellen DeGeneres shared that a bone density test confirmed her osteoporosis. Meanwhile, severe pain led to an MRI, which revealed arthritis—a surprise to her considering her active lifestyle.
Therapy not only helped her cope with the immense public scrutiny but also led to insights into her mental health, uncovering her OCD and ADHD. For Ellen, understanding these conditions was complicated by her Christian Science upbringing, which refrained from acknowledging such health issues.
Ellen DeGeneres also revisited memories of her father, who likely suffered from OCD, reflected in his repetitive behaviors, helping her realize that she might have been living with the condition unrecognized for a long time.
Despite the challenges, Ellen has turned her health issues into material for her comedy, finding humor in the daily impacts of her conditions. This approach offered a light-hearted yet sincere look at her trials.
She humorously described how these ailments affect her, quipping about her physical vulnerability: "I don't even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower."
Regarding the diagnosis shock and the mix-up with her perception of OCD, Ellen shared a lighter moment in her special:
I was in therapy for a while trying to deal with all the hatred that was coming at me. And you know, it was not a common situation for a therapist to deal with. I may have OCD because a therapist said so, and I said, ‘Yes I am very organized,’ because I thought that was the O.
Her wife, Portia de Rossi, confirmed Ellen's OCD in a moment that added both confirmation and humor, reflecting the supportive dynamic in their relationship.
The overlay of her tough upbringing within Christian Science, which avoids discussing or acknowledging diseases, added another layer to her struggle to understand and accept her diagnosis. Ellen's exploration of this dynamic gave depth to her comedy, blending personal revelations with humor.
Ellen's final comedy special not only serves as a career capstone but also as an intimate glimpse into her personal health struggles, framed by her characteristic wit.
Ellen DeGeneres concluded her special with a poignant reflection on aging, the unexpectedness of life, and the process of self-discovery through adversity. These insights not only rounded out her comedy special but also offered a deeper look at her resilience and capacity to find balance and humor even in the face of personal challenges.
