Selma Blair is sharing intimate details on Instagram about her struggle with multiple sclerosis. The actress was diagnosed with MS in August 2018 and in 2019, she opened up about her chronic illness in an exclusive and emotional interview with Robin Roberts. The actress said she had struggled with symptoms for years before actually being diagnosed.
Selma talked about the different treatments she has been receiving, how she stays hopeful, and most importantly, how she is able to continue being a mother to her son through all her physical challenges. It was inspiring to say the least to watch her speak so openly about something so personal, yet something that affects many people.
Still, for those who didn't know just how much the disease had taken its toll on Selma, it was sad to see the impacts of MS. During the interview, you could see the physical effects of the illness on her body. Her voice was sometimes shaky and her body twitched. But for Selma, doing the interview was important so that she could share what this illness looks like with the world.
She has continued to do so, often documenting stories, and sometimes struggles on social media and now, she's sharing an even closer look at how her body is feeling lately.
Selma took to Instagram on Monday to share some emotionally charged words, "This is the thing," she wrote. "I feel sick. This is what happens. There is no bright light of glamour."
She continued, "It is long nights. Almost all nights. My muscles in my face and neck are in spasm. Or so tight I can’t even find a way to stretch. And I have been trying for three hours. On the ground stretching."
In addition to Selma's MS, she has also had other recent struggles to make matters even more difficult. "I have had the stomach flu. Thanks Arthur!" she joked. "And I am even more sideways now. For now."
But while the actress was clear that her illness comes with huge, heavy challenges, she also made clear that it doesn't own her entire life and it cannot defeat her. "But I am not killed by it," she wrote. "I am strong enough not to be taken down any more than the average bear."
That's clear about Selma at this point. She has handled her MS diagnosis with such strength. She also suffered a recent sprained ankle, she wrote, which made her feel even more fragile.
She touched on how it feels to be going through MS as a single parent, too. "And I am still feeling alone and vulnerable and scared about the future as a single mom." It has to be terrifying to not know exactly how her illness will progress and if she will be able to properly care for her child. For parents, caring for our children in the best way possible is always on our minds. But with a chronic illness, it's so much harder to do everything that needs to be done.
Selma also spoke a lot of truth about the human condition. "I’m not dying any more than anyone," she said. That much is true. While Selma has a chronic illness, no one knows how long they will be here. But the pains are what seem to get her down more than anything. "I am just hurting. It feels like I am just breaking down. So there’s a truth to give to anyone else feeling this way. It’s just miserable. And scary. To feel unwell."
She closed her post on an even more emotional note, apologizing for her late night ramblings. "I am so sorry. This is just me to you. In the early hours of the morning. Cause I don’t know what else to do and I want so much to do better."
She shared a bit of hope for everyone suffering through illness and everyone else for that matter. "May the silver lining surround us all. And guide us out of the darkest. Thank you all for being the biggest loves… I send you all a reassuring warmth. We all need it."
What's amazing is that even though Selma is going through such a rough time, she's managing to share her struggles, as well as send love to others around her.
We wish her all the best as she continues her journey as a single mom navigating a tough illness. Hopefully, she's feeling much better soon.
