Sia, the elusive singer-songwriter, has revealed that she experiences chronic pain, posting on Twitter about the neurological disease she suffers from, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Of course – this being Sia – the message wasn’t just about her own troubles, but rather a message of support and compassion towards other people suffering from pain of any variety. “I just wanted to say to those of you suffering from pain, whether physical or emotional, I love you, keep going,” she adds.
“Life is fucking hard. Pain is demoralizing, and you're not alone.”
Sia has previously been open about her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, but hasn’t talked much publicly about the chronic disease.
There are actually a few types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, but the inherited conditions mostly affect connective tissue. Symptoms – apart from pain – can include joint hypermobility, fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily, and tiredness.
Since Sia posted the tweet on Friday night, the comments have filled with messages of solidarity and thanks for bringing the condition into the public eye. One commenter writes: “Umm I didn’t know Sia had my condition.. nobody ever talks about ehlers danlos.”
Another comment reads: “Thank you for sharing. I know so many people in pain. They're suffering being abandoned by physicians, or shamed by pharmacists. It's inhumane.”