Kathy Griffin Says She's Been Diagnosed With An 'Extreme Case' Of 'Complex PTSD'

In a TikTok video, comedienne Kathy Griffin got candid and shared her health concerns with fans. The 62-year-old comic revealed that she had been diagnosed with an "extreme case" of "complex PTSD."

In the video, Griffin asked her fans to share their coping tools, hinting that her condition began after her lung cancer diagnosis five years ago.

Keep on reading to learn more.

In a recent TikTok video, comedian Kathy Griffin opened up about her health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which she has never discussed publicly.

The 62 years old shared that her case has been described as "extreme" by medical professionals, saying, "This is going to sound, whatever, you can laugh or whatever, but I've been diagnosed with complex PTSD."

"They call it an extreme case," she added. Per the U.K.'s National Health Service, PTSD can cause symptoms such as involuntary and vivid reliving of traumatic events, difficulty managing emotions, and challenges in relationships. In the video caption, Griffin wrote that despite having tools to cope, her experience with complex PTSD has been extraordinarily intense and unlike anything she has ever faced.

In the clip, the actress and comedienne reached out to her followers for coping tips, particularly those who also struggle with depression and anxiety, before mentioning that her journey with complex PTSD began about five and a half years ago.

"If any of you know my story, you'll understand that this started for me about five and a half years ago. Wink. You know, cancer didn't help," she said.

On April 14, Griffin, who had recently spent the Easter holiday getting an MRI, shared another candid video with her followers. She revealed she had experienced a challenging eight-hour "attack" the day before, describing it as "freaking writhing in pain in the bed."

In the video, the Emmy-winning comedian said that she had felt another episode coming on that day and decided to go for a walk to cope with it, stating: "So, I'm on my walk now, and I'm outside and looking at the ocean, which is helpful. And I'm sort of almost like a mid-anxiety attack right now. It feels good to be walking my way through it. I keep telling myself it won't last forever."

While reassuring her followers, she was okay, Griffin revealed she would be recording a voiceover for the animated tv show, "Futurama."

In the comments of her video, Griffin shared that she has decided to seek professional help to cope with her health challenges. According to E! News, she plans to try eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As the Cleveland Clinic describes, this method involves specific eye movements while processing traumatic memories to heal from past distressing experiences.

Remaining optimistic, Griffin hoped that EMDR therapy would effectively solve her situation. However, in the meantime, the comedian shared that her four dogs, whom she called her "healers," are playing a significant role in her healing process.

In August 2021, Griffin revealed to her followers on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, despite never having smoked. The actress shared cancer details in her post, writing, "I've got to tell you, guys, something. I Have cancer, and I'm about to go into surgery to have half of my left lung removed." She continued, "Yes, I have lung cancer even though I've never smoked!"

Griffin told her followers her doctors are "very optimistic" as it's stage 1 cancer and contained in her left lung. "Hopefully, no chemo or radiation after this, and I should have a normal function with my breathing," she said, per E! News.

True to her resilient spirit, Griffin updated her fans in December 2021, announcing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" that she was cancer-free. She also shared that the surgery had caused her voice to sound different due to the intubation tube near her vocal cords, jokingly likening her voice to a mix of Minnie Mouse and Marilyn Monroe.