Pop star Sia has revealed she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare condition that can cause severe joint pain and fragile skin.
In a tweet, the Australian said she was suffering from "chronic pain" and offered support to others with similar ailments.
"Hey, I'm suffering with chronic pain, a neurological disease, ehlers danlos and I just wanted to say to those of you suffering from pain, whether physical or emotional, I love you, keep going," she tweeted.
"Life is f***ing hard. Pain is demoralising, and you're not alone."
There are many different types of EDS, and according to the Ehlers-Danlos Society its prevalence is somewhere between one in 2,500 to one in 5,000 people.
Some specific types can affect life expectancy, but for most there are preventative measures and treatments that have been known to help.
Sia is a famously reclusive artist who performs with her face obscured, either by a wig or a headpiece of some description.
She has overcome drug and alcohol addiction, and is a multiple ARIA award winner.
