Jennifer Esposito Shares Her Journey Through Misdiagnosis and Recovery from Celiac Disease

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Jennifer Esposito is revealing details about a long health struggle that she says impacted her career, left her in deep depression, and led her to a psychiatric ward before receiving a correct diagnosis of celiac disease.

While speaking on Maria Menounos’ “Heal Squad” podcast, Esposito, 53, reflected on her experiences as a young actress in New York City. During this period, unexplained physical and mental health issues became so severe she had to pause her life completely.

“I had my life starting in the city as a young actor, but then everything had to stop,” Esposito explained.

Jennifer Esposito detailed years of misdiagnoses before she was ultimately diagnosed with celiac disease.

She described feeling “deeply depressed” and experiencing “thoughts of suicide” as doctors were unable to identify what was wrong.

“They sent me to a psychologist, and put me on various medications,” she recalled. “There was even a suggestion of shock treatment because I wasn’t responding. Medication affects me extremely, it was a terrible time. People prayed for me.”

Esposito began suspecting her symptoms were related to nutrition. “I realized there was a significant link between what I was eating, my vitamins, and my body,” she said.

During her work on ABC’s comedy “Samantha Who?”, which aired from 2007 to 2009, her health “collapsed” with alarming symptoms. Esposito described losing hair and fingernails, which affected her physical and mental well-being.

“A tooth fell out while filming a scene,” she remarked. “I was mortified and extremely ill.”

Throughout this time, she was misdiagnosed with conditions like multiple sclerosis and irritable bowel syndrome. A therapist suggested stress was the cause of her symptoms. “Talk about gaslighting,” she commented.

“In the U.S., we address symptoms rather than the underlying issue,” Esposito said. “I spent years trying everything, including holistic healers and a vegan diet.”

She attended non-denominational church services to “feel recharged.” During one drive, Esposito hit a breaking point and experienced an incident where a truck’s wood piece shattered her windshield.

“With glass all over me, I pulled over and saw it as a sign to keep fighting for answers,” she shared.

Two days after the accident, a doctor diagnosed her with celiac disease. “I’m not sure how you’re alive,” the doctor said, noting her liver was failing.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where ingesting gluten causes immune responses damaging the intestine. Symptoms reach beyond digestion to include fatigue, anemia, and more. A strict gluten-free diet is essential, per the Mayo Clinic.

Esposito immediately removed gluten from her diet, but faced harsh recovery due to her condition. She suffered vitamin D deficiency and sunlight exposure welts. Her overwhelmed nervous system struggled to handle ordinary stimuli.

“I had four Klonopin daily but still felt anxious,” Esposito recalled. “I slept in my kitchen without windows to avoid light-induced trembles.”

Two months post-diagnosis, Esposito met with a medical expert interested in studying her severe case. Regular tests were administered, but during one visit, Esposito pleaded to remain hospitalized due to distress.

Esposito’s comment was deemed a self-harm threat and she was admitted to a psychiatric ward under an alias for hours, pleading sanity.

She forced herself calm, resolved to make changes once free. “I needed to do something if I got out,” she said.

Upon returning home, Esposito took control of understanding her condition. “Healing takes time,” she explained, asserting healed gut aids overall recovery.

Now living outside the U.S., Esposito reports no panic attacks and prefers a slower lifestyle. “I enjoy sitting and talking without phones,” she said, appreciating life’s pleasures.

Reflecting, Esposito sees celiac disease altering her life path positively. “It saved my life,” she concluded. The years of stress could have worsened her health without diagnosis.

“I wouldn’t have been in a good place,” Esposito believes.

The actress feels “clear and grateful” for her experience’s chance to help others.