Ashley Judd reveals 'suffering unnecessarily' for 8 years after 'epic headaches' were misdiagnosed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ashley Judd is sharing a powerful new chapter in her health journey, revealing that for eight long years, she endured misdiagnosed "epic headaches" that left her "suffering unnecessarily."

In a heartfelt Instagram post on October 9, the 56-year-old actress opened up about her health journey, just in time for World Mental Health Day.

“As we mark #WorldMentalHealthDay this week, I wanted to share an update with you all on my own health journey,” Judd wrote, reflecting that her long battle with chronic pain was "so agonizing and relentless" that it "demanded all my attention and sometimes left me unable to do anything but lie down and weep."

'The Locusts' star revealed she had another "one of the epic headaches that have afflicted me over the years" in May 2024.

"That was one of the many chapters of being with my body when it hurt during which I chased solutions that always seemed to be imminent, but always failed," she penned. 

Ashley Judd reveals 'staggering revelation' about misdiagnosed headaches

In a heartfelt update, Ashley Judd shared how her life has dramatically shifted for the better in recent days after years of relentless pain and she may "soon close the book on this phase of my life."

The actress also shed light on the eight years of misdiagnosed headaches that plagued her, and hoped the future will be better.

'The Divergent Series: Insurgent' icon explained that she made this "staggering revelation" through "an auspicious friendship," and revealed she had been receiving incorrect treatments for almost a decade.

"For those eight miserable years I had been treated, at some of our finest medical institutions, with medications for a type of headache that I do not have," Judd confessed, adding how disheartening it was to realize all the prescribed solutions were "doomed to fail."

Ashley Judd finally finds relief and 'renewed hope'

Now under the care of headache specialists, Ashley Judd feels a renewed sense of hope. "Since September 14th, my body has felt well—the 'pain burden' has lifted. Head pain is intermittent these days. My hope is renewed," she shared with optimism.

While she didn’t go into specifics of her new treatment, Judd offered comforting advice to those dealing with chronic pain, urging them to seek help while balancing their own needs.

"It's a delicate balancing act, one I am very familiar with and still learning to negotiate. But I also know it works."

Grateful for the unwavering support of her community — including her sister Wynonna Judd, her aunt, and her partner — Judd remains hopeful about the future. "I cannot know what comes next, but I do hold the deep conviction that my life is blessed," she said.