British actor Jameela Jamil has delighted audiences with performances in a variety of series, with one of her most recent roles being Titania on Disney+’s new series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. In addition to her acting career, the star is also known for being an activist and speaking out on various often-overlooked topics. More recently, Buzzfeed.News reported that The Good Place star had taken to social media to share some personal news and help bring awareness to a rare health condition. In a video posted on Instagram, Jamil stated that she has a rare genetic condition known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
“Look at that. Jesus Christ, that is not an app, that is not a filter, that is just my face. Look how elastic that is,” the actor said on social media. In the video, Jamil pulls the skin on her cheeks and bends her backward before explaining that her stretchy skin and hypermobility result from this rare genetic condition. “The reason it’s so elastic is because I have something called EDS, that is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I have hEDS three – and the ‘H’ is because I’m so hypermobile. It pertains to my joints. As you can see, nothing bends the right way, everything bends the right and the wrong way. Yes, that is very sexy, thanks for asking.”
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She continued, “I want to talk about it despite the fact that people like to make fun of me over my health because it’s a really serious condition, and it impacts every single part of your body and it even affects your mind. And it’s very dangerous to not know you have if you have it because of the way it impacts bruising, bleeding, healing. If you want to have a baby it’s so important that your doctor knows if you have EDS because it makes pregnancy so much more complicated.”
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Jameela Jamil Urged Those Who Suspect That They Have EDS To Get Checked Out
Disney+/Empire
Jamil also encouraged anyone who suspected they might have the condition to get checked out by a specialist. She said, “Look it up, see if you have the symptoms. If you’re struggling with your joints, if you’re struggling with accidents all the time, please find out before it’s too late. I love you, I’m with you. Go get checked.”
In her caption, Jamil wrote, “NB geneticists are also good for diagnosing EDS. I saw a rheumatologist because I have hEDS which affects my joints. Good luck finding a diagnosis. Hold strong. Love you.” She also apologized to her followers for not talking about her EDS more, writing “‘Ps. Sorry I don’t talk about this more often. The internet made fun of me over my health problems and it made me suicidal for a while. But they are just a bunch of ignorant a***holes who haven’t a hundredth of our strength, they can’t imagine surviving what we survive, so they choose to gaslight us about it all instead. I’m done not talking to the people who MATTER about this hugely important subject because a bunch of people lucky to have good health, have no souls. Let’s raise awareness on this subject together, and save some motherfucking lives!”
Buzzfeed.News additionally noted that EDS is caused by specific gene mutations and added that EDS involves “13 distinct yet similar disorders that weaken the connective tissues throughout the body that provide structural support and protection to organs and other tissues.” The most common symptoms related to the various forms of EDS are overly flexible joints, widespread chronic pain, and stretchy skin that is easily injured. Because of its status as a rare condition, EDS can often be misdiagnosed.
