Pop star Willa Ford has recently opened up about her struggles with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), which she began experiencing in December 2023. These seizures, characterised by a psychological rather than neurological origin, prompted Ford to confront her own challenges and share her journey with the public, although she initially hesitated to speak about it.
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During an interview with PEOPLE, Ford, now 45, shared her apprehensions about revealing her condition. “I wasn’t going to tell people because I think it scares them,” she explained, expressing concern that audiences might worry she would experience a seizure while performing. Despite her initial belief that her situation was unique, she has since come to realise that many others have faced similar difficulties.
Ford described the sensation during her seizures, stating that her “brain disconnects,” leading to episodes where she may flail or freeze. However, she noted that these seizures do not cause injury to her brain. “It’s actually the better of the seizures to have, if I’m being honest,” she remarked. During these episodes, she retains some level of coherence, able to engage in conversation and perform basic calculations, unless she experiences unusual mouth movements.
This condition has significantly affected Ford’s life, hindering her ability to work or drive at times. However, she emphasised that experiences with PNES can vary greatly from one individual to another. Ford pointed out that her seizures are rooted in past trauma, specifically linked to her career in music. “The seizures are what made me decide I wasn’t done living,” she stated, indicating that this has prompted a renewed will to thrive.
Though Ford still experiences these episodes, they have become less frequent. She reported having approximately one seizure a month, attributing this improvement to therapy and the use of medication, including anti-anxiety drugs and a “rescue med” for acute situations.
As she grappled with her condition, Ford turned to songwriting as a form of coping. “That’s all I could do,” she recalled, using her craft to process her experiences. However, she has chosen to keep the details of her trauma private. “What I will say is it had nothing to do with my label [Atlantic Records], my labelmates or a producer or anything,” she stressed, indicating an overarching personal story that remains untold for now.
While she admires other women who have bravely shared their stories, Ford is mindful of her family’s perspective. She expressed concern about her children discovering the details of her experience and affirmed that her journey is focused on healing rather than retribution. “It doesn’t help me at all to get back this person,” she reflected. Instead, she has chosen to work through her past, stating, “It happened. I’ve dealt with it, I’ve forgiven, I’ve moved on.”
In a broader context, Ford suggested that her revelations and those of others are beginning to shine a light on public figures who may not be as heroic as they seem. Her ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing is encapsulated in her latest album, titled “amanda,” which was released recently. Through her music, she aims to reflect her experiences and encourage others to confront their own challenges.
As Willa Ford continues to navigate life with PNES, she remains committed to sharing her story on her own terms, advocating for understanding and compassion towards those facing similar mental health issues. With the release of her new album, it seems that Ford is not just redefining her artistic journey but also embracing a new chapter in her personal life, one marked by resilience and hope.