Aging is a reality everyone faces, and even celebrities are not immune to its surprises. Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved comedian and former daytime talk show host, has recently shared some candid insights into her own experience with aging. In her latest Netflix comedy special, “For Your Approval,” DeGeneres, 66, revealed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These revelations came after DeGeneres stepped away from her long-running talk show, a period that followed accusations of a toxic work environment in 2020.
DeGeneres humorously addressed her osteoporosis diagnosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk. She recounted receiving the diagnosis after undergoing what she called a “stupid bone density test.” With her signature comedic timing, she joked about the fragility of her bones, stating, “I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower.” Her ability to find humor in her health challenges is a hallmark of her comedic style, allowing her to connect with audiences on relatable human experiences.
Adding to her physical health disclosures, DeGeneres also mentioned being diagnosed with arthritis. She described experiencing significant pain that led her to believe she had suffered a ligament tear. However, an MRI revealed arthritis, a common condition causing joint pain and stiffness, often associated with aging. DeGeneres wryly quoted her doctor’s explanation, “Oh it just happens at your age,” highlighting the sometimes unwelcome realities of growing older.
Beyond physical health, Ellen DeGeneres also delved into her mental health journey, revealing diagnoses of OCD and ADHD. These diagnoses came to light during therapy sessions she attended in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding her talk show. The comedian explained that therapy was sought to cope with the intense public criticism and “hatred” she faced during that period. It was in this therapeutic setting that the possibility of OCD and ADHD was raised and subsequently confirmed.
DeGeneres humorously recounted her initial misunderstanding of OCD, associating it simply with being organized. She explained, “I may have OCD because a therapist said so and I said, ‘Yes I am very organized,’ because I thought that was the O. I didn’t know what OCD was.” This anecdote showcases her ability to make light of even personal struggles, educating her audience in an entertaining way about conditions that are often misunderstood.
Further reflecting on her OCD tendencies, DeGeneres shared insights into her upbringing in Christian Science, a religion that traditionally does not recognize medical diagnoses. This background meant that health issues were not openly discussed in her family. However, looking back, she recognized similar behaviors in her father, such as excessive checking of locks and appliances, which are now understood as potential manifestations of OCD. She noted the hereditary aspect of the condition, suggesting a possible familial link to her own diagnosis.
The comedian also touched upon her ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her daily life, particularly in creating her comedy special. “My ADD makes it really hard to sit down and focus on anything at all. I mean, do you know how hard it was for me to put this together? Of course you don’t. Why would I ask that question? It’s hard for me to focus,” she joked. This self-deprecating humor allows DeGeneres to connect with audience members who may also experience similar challenges with focus and attention.
In a moment of comedic self-assessment, DeGeneres summarized her diagnoses and coping mechanisms. “So, I have ADD, I have OCD, I’m losing my memory. But I think I’m well-adjusted, because I obsess on things, but then I don’t have the attention span to stick with it, and I quickly forget what I was obsessing about in the first place. So, it takes me all the way around to being well adjusted, I think.” Through her comedy, Ellen DeGeneres transforms personal health challenges into relatable and humorous content, fostering open conversations about aging and health, both physical and mental.
Ellen DeGeneres’s willingness to share these diagnoses publicly not only provides insight into her personal life but also contributes to destigmatizing conversations around aging, physical health conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, and mental health conditions like OCD and ADHD. By using humor to address these topics, she encourages audiences to approach these realities with openness and understanding.
