Ariana Grande once revealed a brain scan image to highlight the ‘terrifying’ effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on her.
The 31-year-old Wicked star has faced several heartbreaking tragedies, from the devastating 2017 Manchester concert bombing to the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller.
These experiences have undoubtedly impacted her mental health, and Grande has courageously shared her struggles with fans.
In 2019, Ariana Grande shared a brain scan image on her Instagram story, leaving fans stunned. Despite her lighthearted caption calling the scans “hilarious and terrifying,” the post carried a serious message.
Clarifying that it was “not a joke,” she included a comparison of a healthy brain versus one with PTSD, which showed a few highlighted areas. However, alongside those images, Grande revealed her own brain scan, displaying significantly more highlighted areas than the PTSD-affected brain in the example.
The NHS describes PTSD as “a mental health condition caused by very stressful, frightening, or distressing events.” People with PTSD may experience recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of isolation, irritability, or guilt.
After receiving an outpouring of concern from fans, the Wicked star reassured everyone with a follow-up statement. Quoted by The Mirror, she wrote: “Didn’t mean to startle anyone with my brain thingy. It just blew me away.
“I found it informative and interesting and wanted to encourage y’all to make sure you check on your brains, listen to your bodies, and take care of yourselves too.”
Grande expressed her love for science, describing the experience of seeing the physical reality of what was happening as “incredible.”
“I feel it all the time, but actually seeing it is completely different and really cool,” she shared. “One day, when I’m feeling more ready and healed, we can talk about it more.”
She reassured fans that she was actively working on her health and learning to cope with pain. “Each day is different, but I’m doing my best,” she said.
“Just know that I will keep showing up, giving as much of my energy as I can, and doing my best, even if my brain looks like a world map.”
