Grimes, the 37-year-old Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer, has long been in the public eye, not only for her distinctive music style but also for her high-profile relationship with tech mogul Elon Musk. However, beyond the spotlight, she has recently opened up about personal struggles that have deeply affected her mental and physical well-being. In a candid revelation, Grimes shared details about her health challenges, particularly her diagnoses of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism. She also suspects she may have dyslexia, a condition that affects reading and spelling.
Her openness about these diagnoses has resonated with many fans, especially those facing similar mental health struggles. She disclosed this information in response to a post from the social media account ‘ADHD Memes,’ which made a controversial statement about childhood reading habits. Grimes highlighted how online mental health communities can sometimes act as “extreme infohazards,” spreading potentially harmful advice. She admitted that while her ADHD and autism diagnoses were recent, she had long suspected that something was different about her cognitive abilities, particularly her challenges with reading and spelling. She noted that her heavy reliance on spellcheck likely stemmed from undiagnosed dyslexia.
Reflecting on her childhood, Grimes shared that an earlier diagnosis could have significantly changed her life. With the right support and medication, she believes she wouldn’t have had to push herself so hard to succeed in her career. She also recalled her childhood “obsessions and motivations,” which might have been perceived as pathological at the time. Despite the difficulties she has faced, she takes pride in overcoming these challenges.
Beyond her personal experiences, Grimes also addressed the broader issue of ADHD diagnoses. She argued that many cases today are influenced by modern “screen addiction” and “dopaminergic burnout.” She pointed out that excessive screen time, particularly from social media and digital devices, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Research from the National Institutes of Health supports this, showing that excessive screen exposure can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, particularly in children who lack coping mechanisms.
Grimes emphasized that her own ADHD symptoms were more manageable when she was an avid reader. She credited self-education and independent learning as crucial strategies for maintaining focus and achieving a sense of accomplishment. Her frustration with accounts that discourage reading for children with ADHD was evident, as she believes reading is one of the healthiest habits young people can develop.
However, her mental health struggles are not the only challenges she faces. Grimes is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Elon Musk over the custody of their three children: X, Exa, and Techno. The couple’s turbulent relationship has led to a contentious dispute over parenting arrangements. In 2023, after the birth of their third child, Techno, Grimes sought legal action in a California court for parental rights. Reports suggest that Musk attempted to keep the proceedings private by sealing court documents. Grimes has claimed that Musk has prevented her from seeing their children and even denied her the chance to visit her terminally ill mother, an experience she described as particularly painful.
The ongoing legal battle has taken a significant toll on Grimes, both emotionally and financially. She revealed that the stress of the situation had nearly led her to financial ruin, with mounting legal fees hindering her ability to create new music. The combination of legal battles, public scrutiny, and personal challenges has deeply impacted her mental health and well-being. Despite her successful career, she has found herself struggling with feelings of hopelessness.
While details of the legal dispute remain scarce, Grimes has expressed frustration over the power imbalance in her battle with Musk, whose immense wealth and influence make the fight even more challenging. This struggle has left her feeling powerless, exacerbating her existing mental health concerns.
Despite these difficulties, Grimes remains determined and resilient. She continues to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and to share her experiences with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Her openness has provided a rare and valuable insight into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the public eye.
Her willingness to address these issues head-on contributes to breaking the stigma surrounding neurodivergence and mental health. Although her legal battles with Musk are ongoing, her candidness serves as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles. Grimes’s story is a powerful reminder that even those who seem to have it all can face significant personal challenges, and her journey highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in today’s world.
