Ellen DeGeneres has shared details about a challenging phase in her life when she had to retreat from the spotlight following accusations that impacted her career in the entertainment industry.
At her peak, Ellen was the beloved face of a hugely popular talk show. However, her reputation suffered due to allegations related to her treatment of staff, compelling her to adopt a quieter lifestyle. Shortly afterward, a series of health problems came to light.
In her Netflix special, For Your Approval, released last September, the 67-year-old spoke openly about her health struggles, hinting that it might be her swan song in live comedy.
“I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower,” Ellen joked, bringing a touch of humor to her difficult situation.
One of the conditions she revealed was osteoporosis, where bones become fragile and brittle. According to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs when there’s a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass, altering bone structure and strength.
She mentioned that one day she experienced “excruciating pain,” which led her to think she might have torn a ligament. An MRI initially suggested arthritis, illustrating the often-complicated nature of diagnosing aging-related health issues.
Besides her physical health, Ellen also delved into the emotional challenges she has faced. In therapy sessions following the bullying allegations, she received yet another diagnosis.
“I may have OCD,” she shared, recounting how a therapist identified it. “I didn’t know what OCD was. Growing up in a Christian Science environment, we didn’t talk about diseases or disorders, so I was unaware,” Ellen explained.
Finally, Ellen disclosed that she was diagnosed with ADHD, which makes focusing and staying still difficult.
“So, I have ADD, I have OCD, I’m losing my memory,” Ellen candidly expressed.
“But I consider myself well-adjusted. I obsess over things, but I don’t have the attention span to fixate, and I soon forget what I was obsessing over. It kind of brings me full circle back to being well-adjusted,” she added, offering a lighter perspective on her situation.
Since relocating to the UK with her wife, Portia di Rossi, in 2024, Ellen currently resides in England. While she’s still active as a Hollywood producer, her days of hosting talk shows are behind her.
