In the fast-moving landscape of digital stardom, few voices have resonated with the vulnerability and raw honesty of Nessa Barrett.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has transcended her viral TikTok beginnings to become a critically acclaimed alternative-pop artist and a prominent advocate for mental health awareness.
While her music often explores the darker corners of the human psyche, Barrett’s personal journey—from a small-town girl in New Jersey to a global icon—is marked by a fierce resilience.
For fans following her “Aftercare” era, here is the definitive update on her health, background, and personal life.
The Mental Health Journey: What is Nessa Barrett Diagnosed With?
Nessa Barrett’s career is defined by her radical transparency regarding her mental health, a topic she has placed at the center of her art.
She has been vocal about several long-term diagnoses that she manages daily.
Barrett was officially diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) at the age of 18, a revelation she shared extensively on the Call Her Daddy podcast to help destigmatize the condition.
She has described the diagnosis as a pivotal moment that finally provided a “label” for the intense emotional shifts she had experienced since childhood.
In addition to BPD, Barrett has publicly discussed her battles with:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression: Struggles she has faced since as early as age six.
- ADHD and Dyslexia: Conditions she says made her school years in New Jersey particularly challenging.
- Eating Disorders: Most recently, in late 2024, Barrett shared that she was in active recovery for an eating disorder, noting that online commentary about her weight often acts as a trigger.
- PTSD: Rooted in significant childhood and adolescent trauma.
A Turbulent Youth: What Happened to Nessa Barrett as a Child?
Nessa Barrett’s childhood in Galloway Township, New Jersey, was marked by both creative inspiration and profound physical and emotional hardship.
Growing up with a studio in her home—thanks to her father, Drew Barrett, a rapper and motivational speaker—she began recording music at age four.
However, her adolescence was marred by severe brain injuries. Barrett suffered approximately eight to nine concussions while playing soccer, a sport she loved.
These injuries forced her to quit athletics entirely and, according to Barrett, exacerbated her mental health struggles, leading to her first suicide attempt at age 14.
She has described her home life as “rough” and “hell,” eventually leading her to run away from home at age 17 to pursue a career in Los Angeles against her parents’ initial wishes.
Global Roots: What Ethnicity is Nessa Barrett?
A point of pride for the singer is her Puerto Rican descent. Born Janesa Jaida Barrett, she has frequently spoken about feeling alienated growing up in a small town where she was often the only Puerto Rican student in her classes.
This sense of “not fitting in” fueled much of the teen angst found in her early songwriting. Today, she often incorporates her heritage and identity into her public persona, celebrating her “Boricua” roots with her fans.
Relationship Status: Is Nessa Barrett in a Relationship?
Following high-profile relationships with fellow creators Josh Richards and Jaden Hossler, Nessa Barrett’s romantic life has moved into a more stable and private chapter.
Currently, Nessa Barrett is in a relationship with English singer Artemas.
The pair reportedly began dating in 2024. Artemas, known for his viral hit “i like the way you kiss me,” has been spotted with Barrett at various industry events, including Coachella 2025 and recent tour stops.
Unlike her previous relationships which were often played out in the “TikTok drama” spotlight, Barrett has kept this partnership relatively low-key, emphasizing her need to protect her peace and focus on her ongoing mental health recovery.
Nessa Barrett’s enduring appeal lies in her refusal to hide her “cracks.” By documenting her stints in psychiatric hospitals and her daily battles with BPD and ED recovery, she has built a level of Trustworthiness that few influencers can match.
As she continues her “Aftercare” world tour , she remains a vital voice for a generation that values authenticity over the “perfect” filtered life.