Robbie Williams is facing a new health challenge. The Take That singer revealed he was recently diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by rapid, involuntary movements or sounds called tics.
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)For Williams, though, the condition presents differently. “I’ve just realized that I have Tourette’s, but they don’t come out,” the 51-year-old said on the October 2 episode of the “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not” podcast. “They are intrusive thoughts that happen.”
Living With Intrusive Thoughts
(Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)For Williams, Tourette syndrome doesn’t show itself through movements or sounds but through constant intrusive thoughts. “I was just walking down the road the other day and I realized that these intrusive thoughts are inside Tourette’s,” he shared. Even the adoration of thousands hasn’t quieted them.
“You would think that a stadium full of people professing their love to you would work, but whatever it is, inside me, cannot hear it. I cannot take it in.”
The Singer Also Suspects Autism Traits
(Photo by TIM KILDEBORG JENSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)The “Angels” musician also revealed he believes he may have autism. After taking an online test, Williams said he does not have the disorder but does display traits.
“It’s around social stuff—it’s about interaction,” he explained. He now hopes to see a professional for a more official assessment, saying it could bring him clarity. “A diagnosis would give me an understanding of why I feel so uncomfortable in my skin.”
Finding Comfort & Looking Ahead
Williams admitted he has long struggled with feeling uneasy in his body. “When I’m in bed, that’s my comfort zone. Anywhere outside of that bed is my discomfort zone,” he said.
He reflected on his journey through the decades. “It was awful, horrendous through my 20s, bad through my 30s, my 40s started to get better, and I’m on an upward curve, but I’m still uncomfortable in my skin.”
The singer, who shares four children with wife Ayda Field, says his hope now is to seek understanding and continue moving forward with more compassion for himself.
Williams credited his wife, Ayda, with helping him shift his perspective on performing. She reminded him to focus on how fortunate he is to have the opportunity, noting that the chance to play in stadiums might not always be there.
“There was something about that moment in particular that just changed the perception, and the gratitude came in for where I am, who I am, what I’m allowed to do, what they allow me to do, what I experience,” Williams said. “And in that moment, thinking about maybe never being able to do it again because of waning popularity or death or whatever it is, it just changed my perception.”
