Singer-songwriter Halsey is all about realness. They have been open about struggles with endometriosis for years. When they had their first baby last July, they publicly spoke about prioritizing time with their son over time spent trying to get back into shape, and posted a gloriously honest video about what postpartum bodies can look and feel like. They were upset over comments about how good they looked after performing on SNL; they shared all the work, costuming, and lighting that goes into that image, and that they wanted the world to see what their body really looks like.
More recently, Halsey started getting comments that they “look sick” or had lost too much weight. Halsey responded by sharing that they looked sick “BC I AM!” They had been experiencing increased symptoms ever since pregnancy and were still looking for answers. This month (right in time for Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month!) Halsey finally got the diagnoses they’d been seeking for years, after being hospitalized for anaphylaxis. The list includes EDS, MCAS, POTS, and Sjogren’s, in addition to the previously diagnosed endometriosis.
Fans were dismayed to hear that Halsey was sick, but the singer was actually relieved! Those of us who took years to find our own diagnoses may understand this response – Halsey shared that they’d always been sick, they just finally have validation! They are hopeful that they can use this new information to heal and get back into the things they love.
Halsey posted on Instagram about the gaslighting they’d experienced before these diagnoses, saying “I went to doctors for 8 years. Trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I was called crazy and anxious and lazy amongst other things… When I wasn’t working I was essentially confined to my home for fear of how I’d feel when I woke up each morning. It took me a long time to get to even having a diagnosis so I’m celebrating!”
We are so grateful for people like Halsey sharing what life with these conditions is truly like! We celebrate this news with you, Halsey, and wish you well on what we hope is a healing journey ♡