Solange Knowles has long been known for her musical talent, artistry, and unique voice in the industry. But recently, she revealed another side of her life — one filled with challenges most of us never see because she has what people call “invisible illnesses”. In a heartfelt Instagram comment, Solange shared that she has been quietly battling three chronic illnesses: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Solange’s Journey to Diagnosis
Solange’s health journey hasn’t been easy. In 2017, she had to cancel a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve performance in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the time, she revealed she was dealing with an autonomic disorder, but she wasn’t ready to fully disclose the details of her condition. This period marked the beginning of a long, painful process of figuring out exactly what was wrong.
By 2018, Solange had been diagnosed with POTS, MCAS, and Sjögren’s syndrome. For many people, it can take years to get an accurate diagnosis, especially for conditions as complex as these. So we know that Solange has been going through a lot these past few years.
But she chose to keep her health issues to herself. And in her Instagram post, she mentioned how difficult it was not to let her health issues become her identity, a sentiment that many people living with chronic illness can relate to.
Understanding POTS, MCAS, and Sjögren’s Syndrome
These conditions have a significant impact on Solange’s daily life. Let’s break them down:
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which means it affects bodily functions we typically don’t control, like heart rate and blood pressure. For those with POTS, standing up can cause an abnormally high heart rate, leading to dizziness, fainting, and extreme fatigue. Solange shared how debilitating these symptoms can be, making it hard to perform or even go about regular activities.
- MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): This condition causes the body’s mast cells, which are involved in allergic reactions, to malfunction. As a result, people with MCAS can have severe allergic reactions to seemingly normal stimuli, like foods or environmental triggers. It’s a condition that can affect many parts of the body, from the skin to the respiratory system.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disease, Sjögren’s syndrome primarily affects the glands responsible for moisture, leading to symptoms like dry eyes and mouth. But it can also cause widespread fatigue, joint pain, and other systemic issues.
Impact on Her Career and Personal Life
Solange’s health conditions have had a profound impact on both her career and personal life. Known for her high-energy performances and artistic presence, these illnesses have made it difficult for her to maintain the pace of her work. She had to cancel performances and take time away from her demanding schedule to focus on her health.
In her post, she expressed gratitude to Dysautonomia International, an organization dedicated to supporting people with disorders like POTS, and she also acknowledged the “spoonie” community, a term used to describe individuals living with chronic illnesses. The idea comes from the “spoon theory,” where each “spoon” represents a unit of energy. People with chronic illnesses often have fewer spoons and must carefully ration their energy throughout the day.
Despite these challenges, Solange remains committed to her art. She has continued to release music and participate in projects, but at a pace that accommodates her health. Her 2016 album A Seat at the Table resonated with so many because of its themes of resilience and self-discovery, and now, her health journey adds another layer of meaning to her work.
Solange’s Connection to the Chronic Illness Community
Solange has been vocal about how difficult it can be to live with an invisible illness, particularly one that people don’t always understand. It’s hard enough dealing with the symptoms, but it’s even harder when those around you can’t see what’s wrong.
And it goes back to what Solange said when she announced her and her ex-husband were separating. In her social media post she made it sound like her health issues led her to sit down and reflect on her life, and when she reflected on her life she realized that she didn’t want to be married anymore.
Solange Knowles confirmed her split from her husband Alan Ferguson in 2019 after five years of marriage. The announcement came through a candid Instagram post in which she talked about the immense physical and spiritual transformations she had experienced in the two years leading up to the separation. She explained that her body had forced her to slow down and confront her fears, which led her to embark on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.
Solange explained that the decision to part ways with Alan Ferguson, a respected music video director, was one that came with a lot of reflection. She spoke about the importance of living in her truth, despite how “ugly or full of love” it might be, and made it clear that she was dedicated to protecting the privacy of her personal life as it evolved.
The couple had been together for 11 years in total before their separation, and Ferguson had directed some of Solange’s most well-known work, including visuals for her album A Seat at the Table.
Solange also addressed her health issues in the same post, revealing how her ongoing battle with an autonomic disorder had contributed to her period of self-reflection. Although she did not directly link her health struggles to the end of her marriage, she made it clear that the physical challenges she faced had been a significant part of the personal transitions she was navigating, and now we know the full story of what she was dealing with at that time.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts on Solange finally revealing the invisible illnesses that she’s been going through. Are you surprised to hear that she’s been ill or did you already suspect something was going on with her?
