Niamh Shackleton
Justin Timberlake has made a sad admission about his health after revealing that he has Lyme disease.
The 'Selfish' singer has been touring the world for the last two years, and he's now taken some time to reflect on what's been going on in his life.
Admitting that he's usually a 'private person', Timberlake said he wanted to tell fans 'a little bit about what’s going on with [him]'.
He wrote on Instagram: "As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.
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"Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes. If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically."
His candid post went on: "When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.
"I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going."
Timberlake further shared that he was 'reluctant' to speak out about his health woes, but he's now 'trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted'.
"Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected," the music star further wrote. "I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too."
Another celebrity to have publicly spoken out on their battle with Lyme disease is Bella Hadid.
Mayo Clinic says the illness as being caused by borrelia bacteria, which humans often get after being bitten by a tick.
"You're at risk of Lyme disease if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy or wooded areas", it adds. "Taking safety measures in these areas can lower the risk of Lyme disease."
Ticks live all over America, but the disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
There's also a lot of cases of Lyme disease in Europe, and parts of Canada.