Syleena Johnson, the Grammy-nominated singer and television personality, recently opened up about her struggle with Intolerable Uncertainty Disorder (IUD) and how it has influenced her mental health and role as a mother. Known for her powerful voice and candid conversations on mental health, Johnson is now shedding light on a condition that often goes undiagnosed and misunderstood.
Intolerable Uncertainty Disorder is characterized by a chronic fear of the unknown, leading to anxiety and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing uncertainty. For Johnson, this condition has been a significant challenge, impacting her daily life and the way she approaches motherhood. She explained that her need for control and fear of uncertainty often create stress and anxiety, making it difficult to navigate the unpredictable nature of raising children.
As a mother of two, Johnson acknowledges that her disorder can sometimes cause her to be overly protective and anxious about her children’s safety and well-being. She finds herself constantly worrying about potential dangers and outcomes that may never happen, which can be exhausting and overwhelming. This heightened anxiety has also affected her ability to enjoy the present moments with her children, as her mind is often preoccupied with hypothetical scenarios.
“When you have a child with special needs, you are in constant fight or flight mode or constantly worrying about if my baby’s going to be okay. And just the quality of life. So I think that the triggers intolerable uncertainty disorder,” she told Essence in an interview.
Despite these challenges, Johnson is actively working on managing her condition through therapy, mindfulness practices, and a strong support system. She believes that open dialogue about mental health, particularly in communities where it is often stigmatized, is crucial. By sharing her experience, Johnson hopes to raise awareness about Intolerable Uncertainty Disorder and encourage others who may be struggling to seek help.
Her candid discussion serves as a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, and seeking support is a vital step toward healing and improving one’s quality of life, both personally and as a parent.
