Daisy Ridley, known for her iconic role as Rey in the "Star Wars" franchise, faced a debilitating health battle that extended beyond mere exhaustion. Her symptoms led to a diagnosis of Graves' disease, a condition affecting the thyroid gland, and a renewed commitment to her well-being.
Daisy Ridley, the talented actress who captivated audiences as Rey in the "Star Wars" saga, has shared her arduous journey with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that disrupts thyroid function.
Star Wars Actress Daisy Ridley's Hidden Struggle: Exhaustion, Autoimmune Disease, and the Importance of Self-Care
After experiencing persistent fatigue, a racing heart, and weight loss, Ridley initially attributed her symptoms to a demanding filming schedule. However, a visit to her general practitioner revealed the underlying cause: Graves' disease.
"It's the first time I've shared that," Ridley revealed to Women's Health about her September 2023 diagnosis. "I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role; presumably that's why I feel poorly.'"
Star Wars Actress Daisy Ridley's Hidden Struggle: Exhaustion, Autoimmune Disease, and the Importance of Self-Care
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, triggers an overactive thyroid gland, leading to increased hormone production. Thyroid hormones regulate the body's energy metabolism, affecting every organ system.
Ridley's doctor attributed the actress's symptoms to the disorder's signature "tired but wired" feeling. The constant overactivity left Ridley unable to truly relax.
Star Wars Actress Daisy Ridley's Hidden Struggle: Exhaustion, Autoimmune Disease, and the Importance of Self-Care
"It was funny," Ridley said. "I just thought I was annoyed at the world, but [it] turns out everything is functioning so quickly you can't chill out."
The diagnosis compelled Ridley to prioritize her health. She initiated daily medication, adopted a gluten-free diet, and embraced holistic practices such as infrared saunas, cryotherapy, acupuncture, and massages.
Star Wars Actress Daisy Ridley's Hidden Struggle: Exhaustion, Autoimmune Disease, and the Importance of Self-Care
Despite her previous health consciousness, Ridley realized the importance of holistic well-being. "I've always been health conscious, and now I'm trying to be more well-being conscious," she explained.
Ridley's experience highlights the importance of women's health and the need for accurate diagnoses. She emphasized that it's not normal to endure discomfort, even if it's manageable.
"We all read the stats about women being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed and sort of coming to terms with saying, ‘I really actually don’t feel good,’ and not going, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine.’ It’s just normalized to not feel good," she said.
Despite the challenges, Ridley remains optimistic and grateful. Her diagnosis has empowered her with a deeper understanding of her body and the importance of self-care.
"Even if you can deal with it, you shouldn’t have to," Ridley asserted. "If there’s a problem, you shouldn’t have to just [suffer through it]."
Ridley's story serves as a reminder that health extends beyond physical well-being and encompasses emotional and mental health. Through her advocacy and journey, she inspires others to prioritize self-care amidst a world that often prioritizes productivity over personal well-being.
