When Grammy-nominated singer Halsey got sick, they turned to a surprising hobby: miniature doll-housing. Now, that might sound cute, but Halsey describes it as 'dark,' saying it was a way to create tiny parallel worlds  to escape the isolation of their illness. 

 But what does it say about our relationship with creativity and illness?  Could this be a coping mechanism, or is there something more complex at play? Halsey, who has been open about their struggles with  Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), endometriosis, and bipolar disorder, found solace in the precise, meticulous work of doll-housing.  

 It was a way to challenge their motor function, which had been impacted by their health.  Can you imagine, not even being able to open an envelope because of your illness?  It's a stark reminder of how invisible illnesses can manifest in unexpected ways. Halsey even started building their own furniture and wallpaper for these miniature worlds.  Fascinating, right?  

 But why build these tiny worlds?  Is it a desire for control in the face of a chaotic illness, or a way to avoid facing the world head-on?  Halsey admits to feeling 'f****** ugly' and 'unrecognizable' during their illness.  This experience led them to avoid mirrors, highlighting the powerful impact illness can have on our self-image.  

 Doll-housing became an escape, a way to create beauty and order in a world that felt overwhelming.  It makes you wonder: what are your own coping mechanisms when faced with challenges?  Halsey's story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, creativity can be a powerful source of healing and hope.   It encourages us to think about the ways we find meaning and connection, especially when we're struggling.

When Illness Sparks Tiny Worlds: Halsey's 'Dark' Doll-Housing Obsession

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