Daisy Ridley Says Illness ‘Left My Confidence In Tatters’

Daisy Ridley was launched to fame through her role in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, and while she’s enjoying success, Daisy reveals that being in the public eye is even more harsh on her than most would expect. The reason Ridley often shies away from the media is a tendency to lack self-confidence, a habit which the Star Wars actress says is the result of years battling illness.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Actress Daisy Ridley Raises Public Awareness About Endometriosis

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFzVcoLFE-c/?taken-by=daisyridley

Ms. Ridley recently opened up about the illnesses that have plagued her since her early teens and how she has struggled with the conditions, while also battling the issues of low self-esteem. Daisy wrote a candid and compelling confession in an Instagram post in which she reveals that she was diagnosed with endometriosis when she was just 15 years old, a time when most of her friends’ biggest worries were dating and social acceptance. For Ridley, the pain, as well as the humiliation, was just beginning, because there was no cure and no easy way of managing the condition.

“One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST,” Ms. Ridley writes. “I’ve tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess.”

As it turned out, endometriosis wasn’t the only thing keeping Daisy from living the normally healthy life of the average teenager. There was another underlying condition, something that was aggravating the symptoms of her endometriosis.

“Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that’s why it’s bad,” the Star Wars actress revealed. “I can safely say feeling so self conscious has left my confidence in tatters. I hate wearing make up but I currently don’t want to leave the house without it on.”

The Future Isn’t Bleak For Daisy Ridley

https://www.instagram.com/p/BF9YuAmFE0l/?taken-by=daisyridley

It may have taken years, but through a steady investigation and with the advice of various doctors, Ms. Ridley reveals she’s finally getting the symptoms of her endometriosis and polycystic ovaries under control. The first step was to cut dairy from her diet, though Daisy confesses to indulging in the occasional dish of ice cream and also cutting down on her sugar intake.

Daisy also acknowledges that her self pity was unnecessary, though she doesn’t blame herself for feeling so despondent through the years of learning to cope with her condition. She does write that she’s grateful to those closest to her for helping her realize that life isn’t as bad as she once thought.

“Throughout all this I’ve only had people being wonderful and encouraging and occasionally making me realise (sic) I’m being ridiculous and there’s more to life,” the Star Wars actress shared.

All too often, people tend to ignore symptoms or learn to live with them, even though there may be a cure, a treatment plan, or an alleviation of symptoms through a change in diet. For this reason, Daisy Ridley shared her own experiences and ultimately urged her fans and followers to seek out help with anything that may be a cause for concern.

“My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don’t worry about sounding like a hypochondriac,” writes Daisy. “From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed.”

Currently, Daisy Ridley is working on Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is scheduled for a December 15, 2017, release.

[Image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for MTV]