Justin Timberlake opened up about something pretty personal recently.
The singer shared that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, and after touring the world for the past two years, he’s finally decided to let fans in on what’s really been going on.
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He said, “As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.”
Justin felt it was time to open up
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
That’s what he wrote in a post. It’s clear he wasn’t looking for sympathy, just wanted to be real with people.
The symptoms were hard to ignore
He explained how tough things have been.
“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
Getting diagnosed finally made things make sense
“When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
That clarity helped, even though it didn’t make it easier.
Walking away from the stage didn’t feel right
“I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
That joy is what pushed him forward, even when his body was clearly struggling.
He didn’t want fans to get the wrong idea
Timberlake also mentioned that he wasn’t sure about sharing all this at first. He was hesitant.
But eventually he felt like, “trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Maybe this can help someone else
He wasn’t just sharing for himself either.
“Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected,” the music star further wrote. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
Other celebrities have opened up too
Another well-known name, Bella Hadid, has also opened up about her experience with Lyme disease.
She’s spoken about it publicly before, and her story has brought more awareness to the condition. More celebrities have battled Lyme as well, including Shania Twain, Amy Schumer, Justin Bieber, and Avril Lavigne.
It usually starts with a tick bite
According to Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease comes from borrelia bacteria, and people often get it from a tick bite.
“You’re at risk of Lyme disease if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy or wooded areas,” it adds. “Taking safety measures in these areas can lower the risk of Lyme disease.”
Some regions have way more cases than others
Ticks can be found all over the US, but certain spots are worse than others.
Lyme disease is especially common in the upper Midwest, the northeastern states, and the mid-Atlantic areas. There are also a good number of cases in parts of Canada and Europe.
