Controversial psychologist and author Dr. Jordan Peterson is still facing a long and uncertain recovery after a summer health crisis that left him “near death,” according to a new update from his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson.
The online personality published a fresh video yesterday, revealing that while her father is no longer hospitalized, his condition remains serious and progress has been slow.
Months of Health Struggles Leave Peterson “Very Unwell”
Peterson’s health issues first came to light in October, when Mikhaila disclosed that the 62-year-old spent nearly a month in intensive care battling pneumonia and sepsis.
She described the ordeal as “terrifying,” recalling that her father developed a series of neurological symptoms earlier in the year – symptoms she linked to long-term mold exposure and chronic inflammatory response syndrome.
Dr. Jordan Peterson has been unwell for several months. Credit: Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star/Getty Images.
Mikhaila said the flare-up intensified after Peterson cleaned his late father’s basement, leading to what she called “spiritual attacks” and a dramatic decline in his health. At the time, the family revealed that Peterson could not tolerate most medications due to “severe paradoxical reactions,” complicating treatment and prolonging recovery.
“Things Are Really Bad” But Slowly Improving
In her new update posted yesterday, Mikhaila told followers that although Peterson is finally out of the hospital, he is still “very unwell.” She is visiting him “every day for hours,” and the family is working with what she described as “great specialists” while allowing him more time to heal.
“Everything’s been slow,” she said. “We’re still not really sure what’s going on, whether it’s an immune system issue, neurological, both. Things are really bad but they’re not as bad as they were a month ago, or two months ago.”
While Peterson remains fragile, she pointed out that the trajectory – though gradual – appears to be moving in the right direction.
A Summer of Family Emergencies
The psychologist’s hospitalization coincided with additional crises within the family. Mikhaila previously revealed that on the same day Peterson was taken to the hospital by ambulance, her newborn daughter was also rushed to medical care after complications related to pulmonary hypertension. The baby has since stabilized.
“It’s been like watching a movie,” Mikhaila said in her earlier, emotional video, noting that the summer and fall have been “heartbreaking and brutal.” She added, “I miss my dad. My brother misses his dad. My mom misses her best friend and husband.”
Mikhaila Peterson provided an update on her father's health. Credit: Mikhaila Peterson/YouTube.
Peterson’s Work Continues During His Recovery
Despite his uncertain health, Peterson’s projects remain active. His family-run online education platform, Peterson Academy, continues to operate, and Mikhaila confirmed that his lecture series We Who Wrestle with God will be released for free on YouTube during his recovery.
She reiterated that the family is leaning heavily on faith throughout the ordeal: “We’re relying on the Lord and seeing miracles around us.”
For now, there is still no timeline for Peterson’s full return to public life. Mikhaila said she will share further updates “when we have more information.”