Billie Eilish Opens Up About Battling Hypermobility and Mental Health Struggles

Billie Eilish, the globally acclaimed singer known for her haunting voice and introspective lyrics, has revealed a deeply personal side of her life: a long-standing battle with hypermobility-related joint pain and complex mental health challenges. From a young age, Eilish has wrestled with her body’s limitations while navigating the intense pressures of fame.

A War With Her Body: Hypermobility and Chronic Pain

Billie Eilish has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic connective tissue disorder marked by extremely flexible joints, fragile skin, and chronic pain. This condition has affected her since childhood, with joint pain beginning at age 9. In interviews and reports—including those by The Independent and Shape—she describes years of physical challenges that culminated in a severe growth plate injury to her hip at 13, ending her childhood passion for dance.

Hypermobility causes Eilish to experience joint dislocations, ligament injuries, poor balance, fatigue, and frequent pain episodes. These physical issues have significantly shaped her career and day-to-day life, requiring careful pain management and rest, especially during tours. Despite the difficulties, she has channeled her creative energy into music, a pivot noted by Sportskeeda that ultimately defined her artistic path.

The Mental Toll: Depression, Loneliness, and More

Eilish has been open about her struggles with depression, describing herself as a “depressed person” in a 2024 Rolling Stone cover story. She candidly shares feeling moments of joy without true happiness and enduring loneliness, especially while on tour. Early in her career, the pressures of fame left her feeling isolated and uncertain, as she told The Independent.

Her mental health journey also includes diagnoses of anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), conditions she discusses publicly to raise awareness. Therapy has played a crucial role in helping her cope, with Eilish noting periods of improvement, like when she said, “17 has probably been the best year of my life,” highlighting her ongoing journey toward stability.

Managing Complex Health Challenges on Stage and Beyond

Eilish’s physical health is further complicated by Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which causes rapid heartbeat and dizziness when standing, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), leading to allergic reactions and inflammation. These conditions compound the challenges of performing, as standing for long periods and managing chronic pain require careful balancing acts.

Despite the hurdles, Eilish continues to perform and connect with millions of fans worldwide. Her lyrics often reflect her internal battles, providing an outlet for her emotions and a source of solidarity for listeners facing similar struggles.

A Story of Resilience and Passion

Billie Eilish’s openness about her hypermobility and mental health challenges shines a light on issues often hidden behind the glamour of celebrity. Her story is one of resilience—continuing to pursue her passion for music while managing complex health issues—and authenticity, inspiring others to confront their struggles with honesty and courage.