Justin Timberlake reveals ‘debilitating’ Lyme disease diagnosis

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

The singer, 44, told fans about his health struggle in an Instagram statement shared on Thursday.

“Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart. It’s not an easy task to try to contextualize the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try,” he began, referencing his “Forget Tomorrow” tour which wrapped on Wednesday.

“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,” Timberlake explained.

He continued: “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. 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.”

“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget,” he said. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

The Grammy Award concluded his message, “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”

Timberlake’s wife, Jessica Biel, with whom he shares sons Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4, supported her husband by “liking” his post.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.

This story is developing…