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Jessie J has revealed that she has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
The 36-year-old musician, who gave birth to son Sky Safir Cornish Colman last year, said motherhood has “exposed” the conditions “much more” and admitted her diagnoses had led her to “rethink” [her] the whole life”.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the “Price Tag” singer, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, explained that she “was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD about 3 months ago.”
“When I told people, the reaction I got was, ‘Yeah, I mean we knew that’ (I’m sure some of you are doing that right now) and of course I knew that to a certain extent, but having a baby has, let’s say… exposed it a lot more,” she added.
ADHD is a disorder that affects people's behavior, often causing them to have difficulty concentrating and focusing or to act impulsively, although symptoms can vary from person to person. People with OCD tend to experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that can cause distress and anxiety.
The star said she was “coming to terms” with her diagnoses, which have both “empowered” and “overwhelmed” her, as well as giving her a new perspective on “the way I’ve been, the way I deal with things. The relationships I’ve had. How I work and how I love.”
“It’s strange when you know you’ve been a little different and you’ve felt things differently your whole life, and then finally one day, when you least expect it, someone actually explains to you why and you can’t help it,” he continued.
“I know there are a lot of people out there going through the same thing and honestly, I’m just reaching out to hold your hand and because I need mine held too.”
Jessie said her diagnoses had “made” her [her] love [her]“I feel even more confident about myself,” she added, adding that she wanted to hug her 11-year-old self “who cleaned her sneakers with a toothbrush” and relied on making lists “so I wouldn’t feel like life is falling apart.”
The musician welcomed her first child, whom she shares with her partner, basketball player Chanan Safir Colman, in June 2023. The pregnancy came two years after the Grammy nominee suffered a miscarriage.
Fans have praised Jessie for her candid approach to motherhood on social media, speaking openly about the changes to her body after giving birth and sharing how she has struggled with being separated from her son while working abroad.
