Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and best-selling author, is taking a break for medical reasons, as confirmed by his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson. She announced on her social media account that her father is stepping back from his commitments due to health issues.

Mikhaila Peterson stated, "JBP is taking some time off of everything." She explained that her father has been diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a condition that affects the immune system's ability to identify and detoxify mold and bacteria in indoor environments.

According to Mikhaila, Peterson's symptoms worsened after he was exposed to mold while cleaning out his late grandfather's house. She noted, "He’s really been suffering from this badly since 2017; we just didn’t know what it was called."

This health issue marks another setback for the 62-year-old Peterson, who previously battled a benzodiazepine addiction in 2019. Following his struggles with addiction, he revealed that he developed akathisia, a condition characterized by restlessness and mental distress. However, Mikhaila clarified that his current health problems are not related to akathisia or medication, stating, "To be crystal clear — this isn’t about akathisia or medication. He’s not on any medication. It’s an immune system dysfunction."

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed his support for Peterson, posting on social media, "Praying for a swift recovery. The world needs his prodigious mind and solid principles now more than ever."

As a result of his health issues, Peterson is pausing the Daily Wire podcast that he co-hosts with Mikhaila and has canceled a speaking engagement in Brazil. Mikhaila encouraged followers to watch episodes of her father's new call-in Q&A show, "Answer the Call," which they recorded prior to his illness. She remarked, "He was very excited to put this out; helping people is what he enjoys the most. That’s why he does what he does."

Mikhaila also pointed out that CIRS is not widely recognized by the medical community. She expressed frustration, saying, "The fact that this is the cause behind our food sensitivities and inability to tolerate anything other than meat (for 8 years now), multiple disorders and diseases in my family, and is virtually unrecognized by the medical community, is absurd."

She compared the current situation to past medical misunderstandings, stating, "Just like the medical system didn’t recognize ketogenic diets as a treatment for mental disorders 10 years ago (and still most doctors don’t). Just like (Dr. Peterson’s) psych med withdrawal wasn’t recognized 5 years ago (and still more doctors don’t recognize it)."

Mikhaila concluded her message with gratitude for the support and prayers for her father's recovery. In late 2024, Peterson announced that he and his wife would be relocating from Canada to the United States. He began his academic career at Harvard University before returning to Canada to teach at the University of Toronto in 1998.