Renowned psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson spent close to a month in critical care and was reportedly “near death” while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and sepsis over the summer, as shared by his daughter through an emotional video update.
Mikhaila Peterson expressed her family’s fears in a recent YouTube video, stating, “This summer has been exceptionally challenging,” while detailing the 62-year-old Canadian author’s extended health struggles.
She explained that her father was admitted to the intensive care unit due to his pneumonia and sepsis diagnosis.
She also noted that these latest health concerns followed a series of “neurological issues” believed to be linked to chronic inflammatory response syndrome from prolonged exposure to mold.
This condition led to various “neurological symptoms” that intensified after Peterson cleared out his late father’s basement earlier this year.
“At this point, we don’t have a clearer explanation for his neurological symptoms other than potential spiritual influences,” she remarked.
This update is the first comprehensive report on Peterson’s condition since Mikhaila announced in August that he was taking an indefinite break from all his commitments.
“His struggle for the past several years has involved inexplicable neuropathy and significant weakness, among other issues,” she added.
“After nearly a month in the ICU, he has been moved to a less critical ward. Praise God for that.”
Mikhaila confirmed that her father is currently showing signs of improvement, though his path to full recovery remains uncertain.
“We are still navigating this situation, but we are witnessing daily improvements,” she noted.
“The timeline for his complete recovery is still unclear.”
She added that her father’s treatment is complex since “he cannot tolerate most medications without experiencing severe adverse reactions, which narrows our treatment choices.”
Mikhaila, 32, shared that the family faced multiple crises this summer, including a health scare involving her newborn daughter.
“On the same day in August that Dad was taken to the hospital by ambulance, my newborn, Audrey, was also rushed to the hospital within hours,” she explained.
Thankfully, the baby, who previously suffered from pulmonary hypertension, has since shown signs of stabilization.
“Every single day this summer and into fall has felt surreal,” she shared, briefly pausing in emotional reflection.
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“I miss my dad. My brother misses him, and my mom misses her best friend and husband.”
Mikhaila, who co-hosts her father’s Daily Wire show, “Answer the Call,” explained that her father’s hospitalization followed weeks of deteriorating health related to his underlying immune disorder.
She described the experience as “heart-wrenching and brutal” but emphasized that her father’s condition is gradually improving.
“We are hopeful for his recovery,” she remarked. “The fact that he’s out of the ICU is a significant milestone… Praise God for that.”
Peterson joined The Daily Wire in 2022 and gained international recognition after opposing Canada’s Bill C-16, which introduced gender identity protections in the country’s human rights legislation.
His bestselling self-help book, “12 Rules for Life,” has sold millions and led to a speaking tour that established him as a leading conservative voice in the English-speaking world.
However, his health challenges have frequently interrupted his public appearances.
In 2019, Peterson sought help for benzodiazepine dependency and later developed akathisia, a serious neurological disorder that leads to severe restlessness.
He underwent treatment in Russia and Serbia before returning to Canada in 2020.
In recent times, he experienced heightened food and medication sensitivities linked to his immune issues, a situation Mikhaila indicated has persisted for years.
Moreover, she depicted her father’s latest struggles as encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions.
“Considering the possibility of spiritual influence, we believe the best approach to combat this is to persist and push through,” she stated.
“Doing the right thing doesn’t always make life easier, but I have seen God’s guidance throughout this ordeal.”
“It’s a lot to contend with.”
During his recovery, the family-run educational initiative, Peterson Academy, remains operational.
Launched in 2024, this online platform offers video courses focused on philosophy, literature, and religion.
Mikhaila indicated that she and others on Peterson’s team are overseeing his projects during his recuperation and plan to release his lecture series “We Who Wrestle with God” free of charge on YouTube.
She concluded her 13-minute video by expressing gratitude to their supporters and highlighting her family’s faith.
“We are deeply relying on the Lord during this time and witnessing miracles around us,” she said.
“It has been overwhelming, but we are hopeful — and pray — that circumstances are improving.”
There has been no set date for Peterson’s complete return to public life. Mikhaila mentioned that she will provide another update “when we have more details.”
