Jordan Peterson’s Health Struggles: A Family Update

Controversial psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson faced a severe battle with pneumonia and sepsis this summer, spending nearly a month in intensive care where he was described as “nearly dead.” His daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, shared this news in an emotional video update.

“This summer has been extremely difficult,” Mikhaila expressed in her YouTube update, noting the challenges her family has encountered over the past few months. She described the experience as “terrifying” for them.

According to Mikhaila, her father was admitted to the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis. This health crisis followed a series of neurological issues that he had been experiencing, which he suspects may be linked to SERS, a chronic inflammatory response syndrome caused by long-term mold exposure.

She mentioned that the worsening of his neurological symptoms coincided with the process of cleaning out her father’s basement after the passing of his friend earlier this year.

“At this point, we don’t have a better explanation for his neurological symptoms beyond mental aggression,” Mikhaila mentioned, adding that this was the first comprehensive update on Peterson’s condition since she previously indicated that he was “resting all the time.”

She continued, “He has been struggling with unexplainable neurological disorders and weakness for the past few years.” Fortunately, after almost a month in the ICU, he was moved to a regular hospital floor, which she described as urgent and a relief for the family.

Mikhaila indicated that while her father is now showing signs of improvement, it’s still too early to assess his recovery timeline clearly. “We’re still navigating this, but we’re beginning to see progress every day,” she said. “It’s tough to convey how long his full recovery will take.”

She elaborated on the complex nature of his treatment. The summer has also been challenging for Mikhaila personally; she recounted how, on the same day her father was taken to the hospital, her newborn was also admitted.

“It felt like watching a movie,” she reflected, her voice wavering with emotion. “I miss my dad. My siblings miss him, and my mother misses her best friend and husband.”

Mikhaila, who co-hosts her father’s program on Daily Wire, explained that Peterson’s hospitalization followed a significant decline in his health related to an immune system disorder. This illness, she described as both “costly and cruel,” has taken a toll but she highlighted, again, that his condition is improving.

“He’s hopefully on the mend,” she reassured. “He’s out of the ICU, which is the main thing… Praise God for that.”

Peterson, who became a well-known figure after his opposition to Canadian Bill C-16, gained considerable fame through his 2018 self-help book, “Twelve Rules for Life.” Although it sold millions and led to extensive speaking engagements, his health issues have repeatedly interrupted his public life.

In 2019, he sought treatment for benzodiazepine dependence and later faced further complications. After treatments in Russia and Serbia, he returned to Canada in 2020.

Recently, Mikhaila mentioned her father’s immune problems have made him extremely sensitive to various food and drug treatments. She believes these symptoms are related to his mold exposure diagnosis.

“There’s certainly a mental aspect to all of this,” she said. “And I think the best way to push back against the challenges is to keep persevering.” She reflected on the belief that when you’re doing the right thing, life should feel easier, hinting at a larger spiritual journey throughout this ordeal.

Mikhaila, alongside her father’s team, is actively maintaining their educational venture, Peterson Academy, during his recovery. The online platform, launched in 2024, focuses on courses in philosophy, literature, and religion.

They plan to share his lecture series “We Wrestling with God” for free on YouTube. Concluding her 13-minute update, Mikhaila expressed gratitude to supporters and reinforced their family’s faith: “We’re relying heavily on that and seeing miracles around us,” she noted.

While things seem to be heading in the right direction, there’s currently no set timetable for Peterson’s return to public life. Mikhaila promised to keep everyone updated as more information becomes available.