Selma Blair Reveals Her Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with a Powerful Instagram Post
In an open letter penned on Instagram, Selma Blair has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic and often debilitating disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. On Saturday, the actress posted a photo of herself alongside a powerful and emotional statement, in which she shared her personal battle with followers.
“I have #multiplesclerosis…I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps,” Blair wrote. “I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself. You can’t get help unless you ask. It can be overwhelming in the beginning…But I am a forthcoming person and I want my life to be full somehow.”
Blair went on to express gratitude for the support she has received from friends such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Jaime King, as well as thanked the helpful crew and costume designer from her new Netflix show, Another Life. “The brilliant costumer #Allisaswanson not only designs the pieces #harperglass will wear on this new #Netflix show, but she carefully gets my legs in my pants, pulls my tops over my head, buttons my coats and offers her shoulder to steady myself,” Blair wrote. “By the grace of the lord, and will power and the understanding producers at Netflix, I have a job. A wonderful job.”
Blair's candid post not only helps challenge the stigma surrounding MS, which affects women two or three times more than men, but it dispels the idea that people with multiple sclerosis cannot function in their everyday lives—in fact, many individuals living with the disease and under medical treatment can retain successful careers while living with the disease, and with adaptations and support from friends and colleagues.
The 46 year-old actress also went on to share that she has suffered symptoms of the disease for years—which can include pain, vision loss, fatigue and impaired coordination—but it was not until recently that her diagnosis became evident, when actress Elizabeth Berkley insisted she seek professional advice.
“Biggest thanks to @elizberkley who forced me to see her brother #drjasonberkley who gave me this diagnosis....” she wrote. “I have had symptoms for years but was never taken seriously until I fell down in front of him trying to sort out what I thought was a pinched nerve. I have probably had this incurable disease for 15 years at least. And I am relieved to at least know.” If knowledge is power, Blair’s next chapter is off to an inspiring and courageous start.
