Grimes, the Canadian musician and ex-partner of tech mogul Elon Musk, has shared a deeply personal update about her mental health. The mother of three, who has been outspoken about her desire to protect her children’s privacy, took to X (formerly Twitter) on March 21 to reveal her autism and ADHD diagnoses, shedding light on the challenges she has faced throughout her life.
At 37, Grimes reflected on how these diagnoses help explain her past “weird obsessions and motivations,” offering clarity on behaviors that had long been puzzling to her. She also shared her belief that she may have dyslexia, which she says accounts for her struggles with spelling without relying on spellcheck—a sentiment echoed in her song “Player of Games.”
One of the most poignant moments in her post was Grimes’ regret that these conditions were not diagnosed during her childhood. She expressed that understanding her struggles earlier could have prevented some of her past difficulties, including her battle with drugs. The diagnosis, she feels, might have helped her navigate her challenges in a healthier way, rather than forcing her to figure everything out on her own.
Grimes also revealed that her ADHD symptoms were particularly severe during a time when she was not an “avid reader,” suggesting that a lack of early intervention contributed to her struggles. She further discussed how modern issues like “screen addiction” and “dopaminergic burnout” are increasingly linked to ADHD, noting how these factors exacerbate the condition for many individuals today.
Through this candid revelation, Grimes continues to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and offers a glimpse into her personal journey toward self-acceptance. By opening up about her diagnosis, she encourages others who may be facing similar struggles to seek help and understand that there is no shame in seeking support for mental health challenges.
