Unseen health struggle of divas: Hollywood female stars suffering from disabilities

It’s hard to believe but there are few female Hollywood celebrities who have conditions often considered disabilities, and some of these stars include A-listers such as Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga.

From Gigi Hadid living with a condition affecting her metabolism, to Christina Applegate living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), here is a list of Hollywood female stars who suffering from disabilities:

1. Selena Gomez

The Love You like a Love Song hitmaker, who has bipolar disorder, and Whoopi Goldberg with dyslexia.

The 33-year-old singer, who will soon tie the knot with fiancé Benny Blanco, has openly discussed her bipolar disorder, and bringing attention to mental health challenges that were once more stigmatised.

Gomez wants people to know they're not alone in their struggles, saying, "Oh, that really dark thought? I thought that. Those really high highs? I’ve had those."

2. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is suffering from a long-term condition called fibromyalgia.

Gaga once talked about her condition, saying, "I wish to help raise awareness and connect people who have it. We can all share what helps/hurts.”

It’s worth mentioning here that people with fibromyalgia may also have increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue and muscle stiffness.

3. Christina Applegate

The Dead to Me actress has openly shared her experiences with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

It is a degenerative neurological condition that has affected her mobility and led to some intimate challenges.

4. Gigi Hadid

The super-model has a condition called Hashimoto's disease, which affects her energy levels and is a challenge to manage.

Gigi wasn't diagnosed until she was 17; before that, people in the fashion industry thought she was "too big" due to inflammation and water retention caused by the condition.

While speaking about it, the mother of one once told that she manages symptoms through medication and holistic approaches, and setting boundaries in her demanding career.

5. Alaqua Cox

The Assembled: The Making of Echo actress has a dual disability; she’s deaf and an amputee.

Cox was born deaf and grew up on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin, and her leg amputation resulted from a severe accident when she was 17 years old.