Brave Jessie J reveals she’s been diagnosed with two mental health conditions after giving birth to son
SINGER Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with both OCD and ADHD.
The Price Tag star, 36, said becoming a mum last year to son Sky highlighted the conditions which were confirmed three months ago.
She said online: “Having a baby has, let’s say… exposed it a lot more which was comforting in a way, as it made it feel less heavy and scary.”
“But also in moments has made me feel like I can’t talk about it. F*** that. Here I am talking about it.”
On ADHD, she wrote: “I feel like it’s a superpower as long as you look at it from the right perspective and have the right people around you that can navigate it with you.”
“It’s made me re think about my whole life,” she said.
“The way I’ve been, the way I deal with things. The relationships I have had. How I work and how I love.
“It’s empowered me and honestly sometimes has overwhelmed me all at the same time.
“If there is one thing social media has given me, it’s the chance to relate, connect and heal with strangers that have kinds hearts and are going through a similar thing.
“I have always been honest in the journey I’m going through in life.
“And I know there are so many people that are going through this same thing and I’m honestly just reaching out to hold your hand and because I need mine held too.”
On OCD, she reflected on cleaning her shoes with a toothbrush as a child and trying to rely on lists “to not feel like life will crumble”.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health problem. It has two main parts that are connected, obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, feelings, images, urges, worries or doubts that keep coming into your mind.
They may feel stuck in your mind, no matter what you do. You may worry what they mean or why they won’t go away, and feel very distressed by them.
Compulsions are repetitive things that you do to reduce the distress or uncertainty caused by obsessions.
Compulsions can be things you do physically, like repeatedly checking a door is locked. Or they can be things you do in your head, like repeating a specific word to yourself. Or they may involve others, such as asking people for reassurance.
Treatment can involve talking therapies such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Exposure and response prevention (ERP).
You may be offered the following medications for OCD, either on their own or alongside talking therapy:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – this is a type of antidepressant. Research has shown that it can also help to treat OCD.
- Clomipramine – this is a tricyclic antidepressant. You may be offered this if you try an SSRI but it doesn’t help.
If you think you might have OCD, visit your GP, and you can find further information at mind.org.uk/