Ellen DeGeneres recently opened up about her health issues, including her diagnosis of osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD, in her new Netflix special titled For Your Approval, which premiered on Tuesday. After stepping away from the spotlight following accusations of creating a toxic work environment on her show, DeGeneres, 66, reflected on the challenges of aging.
In a humorous take, she described undergoing a bone density test that revealed she had osteoporosis. She likened herself to a “crumbling sandcastle,” joking about how fragile she feels. “I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I could disintegrate in the shower,” she quipped, illustrating her vulnerability.
DeGeneres recounted a particularly painful experience when she thought she might have a ruptured ligament, only to find out through an MRI that she had rheumatoid arthritis, a condition many people her age face. She admitted that accepting the realities of aging while trying to maintain a “cool” image has been tough.
Additionally, Ellen talked about her decision to seek therapy after feeling overwhelmed by the criticism and negativity directed at her from fans. It was during this time that she discovered she had OCD and ADHD. Initially, she believed her obsessive tendencies were simply about being tidy and organized until she learned more about the disorder and recognized similar traits in her father.
In a moment of validation from her wife, Portia de Rossi, Ellen was reassured that her behaviors were indeed indicative of OCD. She also acknowledged how her ADHD manifests as a lack of focus, explaining, “So, I have ADD, I have OCD, I’m losing my memory. I obsess on things, but I don’t have the attention span to stick with it, and I quickly forget what I was obsessing about.”
Moreover, DeGeneres addressed the controversies that led to the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 after 19 seasons. Reflecting on her career, she admitted that she used to be overly concerned about how others perceived her, but that perspective has changed. Now, she seems more focused on her well-being and embracing her authentic self as she navigates this new chapter of her life.
