Halsey recently opened up on social media regarding her health struggles and revealed that she was previously diagnosed with lupus and leukemia for the first time. The revelation sprouted after the release of her latest single, “The End,” and came across as a poignant and touching moment in her musical and personal journey.
Halsey reveals she was diagnosed with lupus and leukemia in new social media post documenting her journey. PIC.TWITTER.COM/LFXQYTDOHD
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) JUNE 4, 2024
On Tuesday,Halsey went to Instagram with a touching post, sharing videos and photos of treatments and the creative process for her new music. The caption accompanying this photo was, “Long story short, I’m lucky to be alive. Short story long, I wrote an album. It starts with The End. Out now.” She also tagged the Lupus Research Alliance and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, indicating that, as a result, she would raise awareness and donate to these organizations.
The post showed Halsey’s life and how she implements health control measures. One of the videos showed her massaging her legs and saying how she was determined to beat her illness: “I told myself I’m giving myself two more years to be sick. By 30, I’m having a rebirthing,” she said, showing her resolve.
“The End,” written by Halsey, produced by Michael Uzowuru, and Alex G, is chilling at best and balances grainy folk vibes with raw vocals and acoustic guitar. The song applies exactly to her past, “Every couple of years now, a doctor says I’m sick /Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks/And then they lay it on me / And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain / And I don’t like to complain, but I’m saying sorry.” It’s truly an inspiration that she dares to come to the front and share her struggles while bringing awareness of the conditions through a public platform.
Halsey also remains intimate regarding the thematic focus on mortality, “When I met you, I said I would never die / But the joke was always mine ’cause I’m racing against time / And I know it’s not the end of the world, but could you pick me up at 8? / ‘Cause my treatment starts today.”
Halsey’s journey with lupus and leukemia began with her diagnosis as if that marked her walk with the two diseases. She uploaded her pictures and videos of treatment so that the followers could just have an idea of the life reality of being with and managing the conditions.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease provoked by the body’s immune system attacking its tissues and organs. It affects diverse organs and systems and provides a wide range of symptoms. Some common effects include aching joints, skin rashes, fatigue, and fever; it might also affect the kidneys, heart, lungs, and the nervous system, where more severe complications occur. Lupus is a chronic condition, and its effects are presented in massive variations among individuals, which requires a long-term medical management process.
The total impact of living with both lupus and leukemia on daily life and long-term health can be severe: 65% of those surveyed said that chronic pain was their most serious complaint in living with lupus. 76% said that the fatigue associated with lupus restricted their participation in social events. As education about lupus complications has increased, an overwhelming 89% of respondents can no longer work at a full-time job. A study described all aspects of patients’ lives as negatively influenced by lupus: work, school, finances, family, and relationships.
Halsey has shown much resilience in the face of many health challenges. She has taken her platform to bring awareness about it by sharing her story to give people an idea and advocating for others who might have been going through a similar ordeal. Her story is a reminder to understand and support those who have chronic illnesses.
