Ariana Grande has revealed the alarming physical effects that her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has had on her brain.
The chart-topping singer shared the results of a brain scan on her Instagram Story, alongside pictures of a “healthy brain” and that of an average PTSD sufferer for comparison.
“Hilarious and terrifying,” she noted, adding: “Not a joke.”
Ariana first spoke of her experiences of PTSD last year, revealing she was still dealing with the condition after the terror attack at her show in Manchester back in May 2017.
She explained: “It’s hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss. But, yeah, [the PTSD is] a real thing.
“I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well.”
“Time is the biggest thing,” she continued. “I feel like I shouldn’t even be talking about my own experience – like I shouldn’t even say anything.
“I don’t think I’ll ever know how to talk about it and not cry.”
The year after the tragedy, Ariana unveiled her fourth studio album Sweetener, which she said she hoped would bring “light” after a dark situation, alluding to the Manchester attack on several tracks.
Since then, Ariana has also had to cope with the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, who died of an overdose last year, as well as the breakdown of her engagement to Saturday Night Live comedian Pete Davidson.
Ariana is currently on her Sweetener world tour, and will headline the Coachella music festival this weekend.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.