Grimes, the 37-year-old Canadian artist known for her distinctive music and her relationship with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, has long been in the spotlight. Born Claire Boucher, she has been open about her life experiences, but she has recently disclosed personal challenges that have profoundly affected her mental and physical health. In a heartfelt manner, Grimes shared her struggles with her audience, particularly following a series of public disagreements with Musk regarding their children.
One of her most surprising revelations was her diagnosis of both ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism. Additionally, she suspects she may have dyslexia, a condition that complicates reading and spelling. Grimes’s candidness about her diagnoses struck a chord with many fans, particularly those facing similar mental health issues. She conveyed this information through a social media post in response to an account named ‘ADHD Memes,’ which had shared a contentious statement about reading habits in childhood.
In her reply, Grimes articulated her concerns about the mental health subculture on social media, describing it as potentially hazardous due to the extreme advice that could be detrimental to individuals. She pointed out that while her diagnoses of ADHD and autism were recent, she had long felt that her cognitive abilities, especially in reading, were not quite right. She acknowledged that her difficulty in spelling without spellcheck was likely linked to undiagnosed dyslexia. Reflecting on her past, Grimes expressed that had she been aware of her ADHD and autism during her youth, her life trajectory might have been significantly different. She noted that an earlier diagnosis could have alleviated the pressure she felt to succeed in her career and might have led to her being prescribed medication that could have helped her manage her conditions more effectively.
The artist also recounted her “unusual obsessions and motivations” during childhood, which might have been perceived as pathological by others at that time. Grimes recognized that she often struggled with various aspects of her life but took pride in her ability to overcome these obstacles. This candid reflection on her past underscores the challenges she encountered in a society that frequently fails to comprehend the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
Moreover, Grimes expanded her discussion beyond her personal experiences to address broader concerns regarding ADHD diagnoses. She contended that a considerable portion of current ADHD diagnoses is linked to the contemporary issue of “screen addiction” and the consequent “dopaminergic burnout.” She highlighted that excessive screen time, especially through social media and electronic devices, is associated with negative physical and psychological effects, including disrupted sleep and heightened ADHD symptoms. Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that children who spend excessive time on screens may experience exacerbated ADHD symptoms, particularly if they lack effective coping strategies. Grimes’s observations regarding the aggravation of ADHD due to technology overuse imply that modern life may be contributing to a mental health crisis, especially among children who are ill-equipped to handle the overstimulation from screens.
Regarding her own experiences, Grimes noted that her ADHD symptoms were significantly more pronounced when she was not an enthusiastic reader. She attributed her ability to manage her ADHD symptoms to her love of reading and her self-directed learning, which provided her with focus and a sense of accomplishment. Her discontent with narratives that label reading as detrimental for children with ADHD is evident. For Grimes, reading represents one of the most beneficial practices for young individuals, particularly those facing attention challenges.
Amid her discussions on mental health, Grimes’s life has been anything but tranquil. The artist is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Elon Musk regarding the custody and upbringing of their three children: X, Exa, and Techno. Their relationship has been marked by turbulence, and their parenting arrangements have proven to be far from cooperative. Following the birth of their third child, Techno, Grimes initiated legal proceedings against Musk in 2023, seeking parental rights in a California court. Reports suggest that Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has attempted to keep the court proceedings confidential, seeking to seal documents pertinent to the case. Grimes has alleged that Musk has obstructed her access to their children and denied her the opportunity to visit her terminally ill mother, an experience she described as particularly distressing.
This ongoing legal struggle has significantly impacted Grimes, who has expressed that the stress of the situation nearly led her to financial disaster. She disclosed that the legal expenses and emotional strain from the conflict have hindered her ability to create new music. The weight of these legal challenges, coupled with the intense scrutiny from the public, has adversely affected her health and mental well-being. The once-thriving artist now finds herself battling feelings of despair, both in her career and personal life.
While information regarding the resolution of the legal matter in Texas is limited, Grimes’s assertion that the experience nearly left her bankrupt highlights the severe stress she has faced. The high-profile nature of the dispute, particularly given Musk’s considerable wealth and influence, has complicated Grimes’s ability to address the situation on equal terms. This disparity in power during their legal confrontations has left Grimes feeling vulnerable and out of control, exacerbating her already delicate mental health.
