Jordan Peterson, the controversial psychologist, has been advised to “rest all the time” due to a debilitating illness linked to mold exposure, according to his daughter Mikhaila Peterson. She revealed this in a post on X, explaining that her father is battling chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a condition that isn’t widely acknowledged in mainstream medicine.
This development adds to the list of health challenges the 62-year-old Canadian author and commentator has faced since his struggle with benzodiazepine addiction in 2019.
Mikhaila shared that her father’s diagnosis stems from a genetic predisposition that hampers his immune system’s ability to identify and detoxify mold and bacteria in indoor environments. She noted that about 25% of people have some form of this predisposition, but it can manifest severely.
“He’s been feeling the effects of CIRS more and more, especially since last year,” Mikhaila commented. She mentioned that he was exposed to mold while helping to clean his grandfather’s house, which may have worsened his condition.
Importantly, she clarified that this isn’t related to akathisia or medication; it’s about an immune dysfunction. Previously, Peterson’s struggles with drug addiction had shocked many fans, and he had also disclosed developing akathisia, which brings overwhelming restlessness.
Mikhaila pointed out that CIRS has been a factor in various health issues her father has faced, including severe allergies and food sensitivities, particularly since 2017, when they first began to notice something was wrong. “Just eating meat helped us manage the symptoms, but it’s not enough anymore,” she said.
She observed that the condition has also led to canceled events and sporadic appearances, revealing the impact it has had on his public life. After previously stepping back from the public eye, Peterson rejoined Daily Wire in 2022 but has struggled with recent engagements.
Peterson and Mikhaila had previously gained attention for advocating a carnivorous diet, and Mikhaila made parallels about how the medical field has often overlooked nutritional therapies and their role in mental health.
Meanwhile, Peterson Academy, a family-operated online educational venture, has faced criticism from former students, particularly around price increases and operational decisions. Experiences from former students voiced concerns over Peterson’s absence from the platform and the controversies surrounding it.
Peterson’s family has reportedly invested significantly in real estate in Paradise Valley, Arizona, acquiring property worth over $50 million in recent years. This follows his return to Canada in 1998 after starting his career at Harvard University.
He gained international fame in 2016 when he posted videos critiquing Canadian legislation, which resonated with many amid cultural debates. His popularity surged, leading to a bestselling book, “12 Rules for Life,” and a global speaking tour.
However, things changed dramatically for him after a tumultuous tour in early 2019, leading to speculation about his well-being. His daughter shared updates during his struggles with rehabilitation for benzodiazepine dependency, which had caused significant health issues.
While seeking alternative treatments abroad, he experienced serious health complications, including a severe case of pneumonia that led to an induced coma. After returning to Canada, he expressed hopes of regaining a sense of normalcy in life.
Last year, Peterson revealed that he had moved to the U.S., citing concerns over a hate speech law in Canada and ongoing challenges with the Ontario College of Psychologists.
Peterson’s ongoing legal battles, including a case against the university’s mandate for social media reeducation training, add to the tumultuous landscape of his career and personal life.
