Ellen DeGeneres, 67, has revealed she is navigating a complex health journey after stepping back from the spotlight, sharing a triple diagnosis in her latest Netflix special, For Your Approval, which premiered in September 2024. The comedian and television icon candidly discussed her struggles with physical and mental health, providing rare insight into the challenges she has faced since leaving her long-running talk show.
Facing Physical Health Challenges
In the special, DeGeneres used her signature humor to describe the toll her health issues have taken on her daily life.
“I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower,” she joked.
Behind the humor, however, DeGeneres disclosed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and fragile due to decreases in bone mass and mineral density, or changes in the structure and strength of bone, according to the Mayo Clinic.
She recounted a particularly painful day when she assumed she had torn a ligament, only to discover after an MRI that her discomfort was related to a deeper issue. Doctors initially suspected arthritis, highlighting the complexities of diagnosing age-related conditions. Reflecting on the experience, DeGeneres said,
“It’s hard to be honest about aging and seem cool.”
The comedian’s openness about osteoporosis marks a departure from the typical public discussion about her life, focusing on a challenge many face but few celebrities discuss candidly.
Mental Health Struggles and OCD Diagnosis
DeGeneres also explored the mental health challenges she encountered following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which emerged in 2020. Seeking therapy during this period, she was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
“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,” she admitted.
Her candid discussion highlighted both the difficulties of understanding mental health and the cultural context in which she was raised. DeGeneres described growing up in the Christian Science religion, which does not recognize diseases or disorders:
“So when I was growing up, nobody talked about anything. There was no discussion of anything.”
She also reflected on the possibility that her OCD may be hereditary, noting behaviors in her father that mirrored some of her own struggles:
“He would check the doorknob 15 times before we’d leave, he’d check the faucet 15 times, he would unplug all the appliances before we left the house because lightning could strike and it could catch fire. They say it could be hereditary.”
This revelation offered a poignant look at the personal and familial dimensions of mental health, demonstrating how childhood experiences can influence adult life.
ADHD Diagnosis Adds to the Picture
In addition to OCD, DeGeneres revealed she has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
“So, I have ADD, I have OCD, I’m losing my memory,” DeGeneres said.
“But I think I’m well-adjusted because 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 in the first place. So, it takes me all the way around to being well-adjusted, I think.”
By discussing ADHD openly, DeGeneres shed light on a condition that affects millions, particularly adults who may not receive a diagnosis until later in life. Her humor and honesty offered a nuanced view of living with multiple conditions simultaneously, and how people adapt to challenges while maintaining personal balance.
Reflecting on Career and Public Scrutiny
DeGeneres also reflected on her public life and the controversies that surrounded her workplace culture in 2020. These events ultimately led to the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, after an unprecedented 19-season run.
“When you’re a public figure, you’re open to everyone’s interpretation. And I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ‘What other people think of me is none of my business.’ Because people will say all kinds of things and you have no control over that. But you know the truth and that’s all that matters.”
Her reflections emphasized resilience in the face of public scrutiny and the challenge of navigating personal and professional reputation while maintaining a sense of self. DeGeneres’ approach underscores the pressures that accompany celebrity status, particularly for individuals who have spent decades in the public eye.
Finding Humor in Adversity
Throughout the special, DeGeneres employed humor as a coping mechanism. Her witty commentary on aging, memory lapses, and obsessive tendencies allowed her to approach difficult subjects in a relatable, approachable way.
“I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower,” she quipped, setting the tone for the special’s blend of humor and sincerity.
By balancing candid disclosures with comedic timing, DeGeneres maintained the essence of her public persona while addressing deeply personal topics. This approach resonated with viewers, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations about health and mental wellbeing.
Health, Awareness, and Advocacy
DeGeneres’ triple diagnosis—osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD—offers a broader perspective on the intersection of physical and mental health, particularly for older adults. Her willingness to share these experiences publicly may encourage others to seek diagnosis, treatment, and support for conditions often stigmatized or misunderstood.
By discussing these issues alongside her professional journey, DeGeneres provides a model for integrating self-care, therapy, and medical attention into a busy and public life. Her narrative also draws attention to the importance of mental health awareness, highlighting how therapy and honest self-reflection can uncover previously unrecognized challenges.
The Personal Side of Public Figures
DeGeneres’ disclosures remind audiences that public figures grapple with many of the same issues as the general population, including aging, health challenges, and mental health struggles. The difference lies in the intensity of scrutiny and the challenge of maintaining privacy while remaining a visible public figure.
Her reflections on OCD, ADHD, and osteoporosis demonstrate how deeply personal experiences can shape public narratives and provide opportunities for broader societal conversations about health, family, and resilience.
Stepping Back From the Spotlight
Since the conclusion of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, DeGeneres has taken deliberate steps to reduce her presence in mainstream media while continuing to engage audiences through projects like her Netflix special. This measured approach allows her to prioritize health, personal growth, and well-being, while still maintaining a platform to share insights and experiences with the public.
Her story highlights the importance of balancing professional demands with personal health needs, particularly in high-pressure industries like entertainment. By doing so, she sets an example for other public figures and the general population alike.
Conclusion
Ellen DeGeneres’ candid discussion of her triple diagnosis—osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD—offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges she faces after decades in the public eye. Through humor, honesty, and reflection, she sheds light on issues affecting millions, from bone health to mental wellness, while navigating the aftermath of workplace controversies and career transitions.
Her Netflix special, For Your Approval, serves as a platform not only for comedy but for meaningful conversations about aging, health, and resilience. By sharing her experiences, DeGeneres encourages audiences to confront their own challenges with courage, self-awareness, and a touch of humor.
Ultimately, her story is a reminder that even those who seem larger than life grapple with health struggles, personal growth, and the search for balance—and that humor and honesty can serve as powerful tools in facing those realities.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
