Billie Eilish, the globally renowned singer, has always been candid about her struggles with mental health. Recently, however, the 22-year-old opened up about another battle she's been facing—one with her physical health. In an interview with *Vogue* for their November cover story, the "Birds of a Feather" singer revealed that she has been grappling with a condition known as hypermobility, which affects her joints and has caused her pain since childhood. This condition has not only impacted her performance but has also made her relationship with her body a challenging one.
Living with Hypermobility
In the interview, Billie shared that hypermobility has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, leading to chronic pain that started when she was just 9 years old. Hypermobility refers to the ability of joints to move beyond the typical range of motion, sometimes to an extreme degree. While some individuals might view this flexibility as an advantage, particularly in professions like dance or gymnastics, for others like Eilish, it has caused significant discomfort and a host of other symptoms.
"I’ve basically been in pain since I was 9," she revealed. Despite the optimism of others around her, she recalled being told that her pain would only worsen with age, which left her feeling frustrated and angry. Now in her early twenties, Billie continues to battle the physical toll that hypermobility takes on her body, especially with the demands of her music career.
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The Isolation of Performance
On top of her physical pain, Eilish also discussed the emotional toll that touring and performing have had on her. At times, she felt lonely and isolated, despite being surrounded by thousands of fans. She admitted to feeling as though her career was something temporary that she had to endure rather than enjoy. However, she has since shifted her mindset, aiming to make the most of both her time on stage and her days off, working to find balance in her life and career.
“I was very lonely for many years, and I’m not interested in that anymore,” she said. She now strives to embrace the positives of her career, despite the ongoing challenges posed by her hypermobility.
Understanding Hypermobility: What It Is and Its Symptoms
Hypermobility is often characterized by joints that extend beyond the normal range of motion. Some individuals with this condition may not experience any issues and might even find the extra flexibility beneficial. However, many, like Billie Eilish, suffer from painful and debilitating symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of hypermobility include:
- Joint pain and stiffness: The excessive movement of joints can lead to discomfort, especially after physical activity.
- Frequent injuries: Sprains and dislocations are more common because the joints are more likely to slip out of place.
- Muscle fatigue: The body has to work harder to support loose joints, leading to fatigue and muscle tension.
- Digestive problems: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation can occur, as the connective tissue in the digestive system is also affected.
- Dizziness and fainting: Some people with hypermobility may experience issues with blood pressure regulation, leading to dizziness or fainting spells when standing up.
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Complications Linked to Hypermobility
In some cases, hypermobility is associated with more severe conditions, such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). These disorders affect the connective tissues throughout the body, making them more elastic than usual and causing additional complications. Some people with hEDS or HSD may also suffer from:
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): A condition where the heart rate increases rapidly upon standing, causing dizziness, fainting, and a feeling of anxiety.
- Digestive system issues: These can include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and gastroparesis, which affects the stomach’s ability to empty its contents properly.
- Frequent injuries: Due to the fragility of connective tissues, injuries like hernias and varicose veins are more common in people with hypermobility disorders.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: In women, the organs inside the pelvis may slip from their normal position due to weakened connective tissues.
Moving Forward with Acceptance
While hypermobility has made life challenging for Billie Eilish, she has been working on accepting her condition and finding ways to manage it. She acknowledges that while the pain might never fully disappear, she can still enjoy her career and the life she leads. Eilish’s openness about her experiences with both mental and physical health struggles has made her an inspiration to many, showing that even the biggest stars deal with difficult challenges.
Through her ongoing journey, Billie Eilish serves as a reminder that despite physical limitations, resilience and self-acceptance can lead to a more fulfilling life. For those living with hypermobility or similar conditions, it’s essential to listen to your body, seek professional help, and prioritize your well-being—just like Billie is learning to do.