Jordan Peterson, the Canadian psychologist and public speaker, has faced a tumultuous health journey that intensified in 2025. In August of that year, he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) triggered by mould exposure.
The illness quickly worsened, leading to pneumonia and sepsis, which required emergency hospitalization. Peterson spent nearly a month in the ICU, experiencing severe neurological complications.
Today, while his recovery remains ongoing, his condition has improved significantly, with family and medical teams monitoring his gradual return to normal life.
Jordan Peterson Health Update, Current Status and Recovery Efforts
Jordan Peterson’s 2025 health crisis stemmed from prolonged mould exposure in his home. The exposure triggered CIRS, a condition causing chronic immune overreaction and multisystem inflammation. Within weeks, the illness escalated into pneumonia and sepsis. The rapid progression forced Peterson into intensive care, where he remained for nearly a month. His daughter, Mikhaila, described this period as “near-death,” noting the severe neurological complications he experienced.
During his ICU stay, doctors observed critical illness polyneuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves due to severe infection and inflammation. This added to the complexity of Peterson’s care, requiring round-the-clock monitoring and intensive therapies. By October 2025, he had stabilized enough to leave the ICU but continued to remain hospitalized for ongoing treatment until December.
Peterson’s Chronic Condition and Past Health Struggles
Peterson’s 2025 health crisis was the culmination of years of medical challenges. In 2019, he developed a severe dependency on benzodiazepines, medications prescribed for anxiety. The dependency worsened after dosage increases, resulting in akathisia, a neurological condition causing extreme restlessness and suicidal ideation.
To manage the crisis, his family arranged for treatment in Russia and Serbia, including a medically induced coma and experimental therapies. His health was further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, Peterson contracted COVID-19 twice, which aggravated his breathing difficulties and led to pneumonia. He also managed autoimmune issues, arthritis, and depression through diet and lifestyle adjustments. These prior health challenges made his body more vulnerable when CIRS struck in 2025.
Current Status and Recovery Efforts
As of early 2026, Jordan Peterson is recovering at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He has not returned to the ICU and has avoided further hospitalization since his December 2025 discharge. Recovery remains slow and challenging, with ongoing neurological issues and inflammation being treated by a team of specialists. Mikhaila Peterson described the process as a “marathon,” emphasizing that progress is gradual and requires careful management.
Since leaving the hospital, Peterson has limited public engagements but remains connected to his projects, including the Peterson Academy, which is currently managed by his daughter. His family reports that while he is slowly regaining strength, periods of fatigue and medical supervision continue. Support from fans worldwide, through prayers and encouragement, has been a vital component of his recovery.
Peterson’s health update underscores the seriousness of CIRS and the impact of chronic illnesses on public figures. His experience highlights the interplay between environmental factors, pre-existing conditions, and long-term recovery. For now, the focus remains on healing, neurological rehabilitation, and rebuilding stamina for future public engagements.
Final Word
Jordan Peterson’s health journey reflects resilience in the face of serious chronic illness and life-threatening complications. From severe benzodiazepine withdrawal to COVID-19 and finally CIRS, his experiences reveal the vulnerability of even the most disciplined individuals.
After a month-long ICU stay and slow recovery, he continues to recuperate at home, supported by family and a team of specialists. While full restoration of his previous vitality may take time, Peterson’s ongoing health improvements provide hope to fans and followers watching closely.
