Ariana Grande shared brain scan to show 'terrifying' impact PTSD had on her

Ariana Grande once shared an image of her brain scan to show the seriously 'terrifying' impact post-traumatic stress disorder had on her.

From the devastating suicide bombing during her Manchester concert in 2017 to the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, the 31-year-old Wicked star has sadly had to endure a number of heartbreaking tragedies in her short life.

Such events have clearly taken a toll on Grande's mental health - something she's been extremely brave about opening up to fans about.

Back in 2019, Grande shared an image of her brain scan on her Instagram story which seriously shocked fans - despite her humorous caption stating the scans were 'hilarious and terrifying'.

Noting the post was 'not a joke', the images showed an image of a 'healthy brain' vs a brain of someone with PTSD which had a few small areas highlighted.

Accompanying the image was an image of her own brain scan, which had significantly more areas highlighted than the previous image that showed a brain with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ariana Grande shared images of her brain scan back in 2019 (Instagram/@arianagrande)

The NHS explains that PTSD 'is a mental health condition caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt'.

After being inundated with concern from fans, the Wicked actress shared a follow-up statement on the matter, writing via the Mirror: "Didn't mean to startle anyone with my brain thingy. It just blew me away.

"I found it informative and interesting and wanted to encourage y'all to make sure you check on your brains / listen to your bodies / take care of yourselves too."

The 31-year-old Wicked star has previously been very candid about her mental health (Instagram/@arianagrande)

Grande went on to say she 'loves science' and said seeing the physical reality of 'what's going on in there' was 'incredible'.

"I mean I feel it all the time, but seeing it is totally different and super cool," she continued. "Someday, when I'm feeling ready or when I'm more healed up, we can talk more about it."

She assured fans she was 'constantly working on my health' and 'learning how to process pain', adding: "Everyday is different but I'm doing my best.

"Just know I will continue showing up and giving as much of my energy as I can and do my best even tho my brain looks like a world map."

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.