Ellen Degeneres Reveals Health Issues During New Special

In her latest Netflix comedy special, For Your Approval, Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved former talk show host and comedian, shared some deeply personal revelations about her health and mental well-being.

At 66, DeGeneres disclosed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), offering fans an honest glimpse into her journey with aging, self-discovery, and mental health.

“I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower,” DeGeneres quipped, injecting humor into a serious topic, as she often does.

The comedian revealed that she learned she had osteoporosis after undergoing a bone density test. Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and prone to fractures, is often a result of decreased bone mineral density. “It’s hard to be honest about aging and seem cool,” she admitted, highlighting the challenges of openly discussing health issues while remaining in the public eye.

In addition to her physical health, DeGeneres opened up about her mental health struggles, reflecting on her experience with therapy after facing allegations of fostering a toxic workplace environment in 2020. It was during these therapy sessions that she was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a revelation that allowed her to reflect on her upbringing and the lack of mental health awareness she grew up with.

“I didn’t know what OCD was,” she said, explaining that her Christian Science upbringing didn’t acknowledge diseases or disorders. Growing up in an environment where discussions about mental health were non-existent, DeGeneres had no frame of reference for understanding her compulsive behaviors until much later in life. “Now I think my dad had it too,” she mused, recalling how her father would check door locks and faucets repeatedly, behaviors she now understands as symptoms of OCD.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes OCD as a long-term mental health condition that causes uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). These can significantly impact a person’s life, causing distress and anxiety. DeGeneres’ candid reflections bring much-needed attention to the reality of living with OCD and the importance of seeking help.

DeGeneres also discussed her experience with ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus and control impulses. Describing how ADHD and OCD interact in her life, she humorously explained, “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.”

While ADHD has no known cure, therapy and medication can help manage symptoms. DeGeneres’ lighthearted yet sincere approach to discussing these issues makes her relatable to the millions of people who face similar challenges with mental health.

The special, available now on Netflix, begins with DeGeneres addressing the headlines that labeled her the “Queen of Mean” and a “villain” after the 2020 controversy. By blending humor with vulnerability, Ellen’s special tackles aging, mental health, and personal growth — conversations that are more important than ever in a society that still struggles with stigma around these topics.

Her willingness to open up about her experiences with osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD is a powerful reminder that mental and physical health issues affect people from all walks of life, and seeking help is a vital part of the healing process.