Ateh Jewel's Health Crisis and Divorce Liberation
At 47, beauty journalist Ateh Jewel reflects on a life-altering journey that saw her health spiral downward during a 26-year marriage, only to spectacularly rebound after she found the courage to divorce. Speaking exclusively on The Independent's Well Enough podcast with host Emilie Lavinia, Jewel recounts how prioritizing herself transformed physical and mental well-being.
The Early Marriage and Mounting Pressure
Marrying her first boyfriend at just 19, Jewel initially felt like she had "won the prince of white privilege." However, youth and societal expectations soon collided with reality. "I was so, so young," she admits, noting that as a child of divorce herself, she was determined to make the relationship work at all costs. This determination manifested in relentless work ethic, including returning to her job merely two weeks after giving birth to twins, pushing through 18-hour days in a "fury with the world."
Health in a Tailspin: The Consequences of Overdrive
The extreme pace took a devastating toll. Jewel experienced rapid weight gain of 11 stone and was diagnosed with type II diabetes. "When you're very self-destructive in a productive way, you can achieve a lot," she observes, acknowledging that professional success masked deteriorating health. Now an ambassador for Diabetes UK, she campaigns to reduce stigma around the condition, emphasizing that her story is a cautionary tale about ignoring personal well-being.
The Breaking Point and Countryside Escape
As her health worsened, Jewel realized drastic change was necessary. She told her then-husband, "If I don't see a tree and some sheep, I will die," insisting on moving from chaotic London to the countryside. His lukewarm response marked the beginning of the end. "When I started to pick myself, the marriage disintegrated," she states, adding gravely, "I would have had a stroke or a heart attack if I had stayed. I would have died."
Divorce as Liberation, Not Failure
On July 1, 2023, Jewel finally ended the marriage, describing the aftermath as a "fever dream" of mixed emotions—twirling, crying, but ultimately feeling free. She challenges the notion that divorce equals failure, citing a friend's perspective: "How is a 26-year relationship and two beautiful children a failure?" Reframing the split as a success born of "love and laughter and friendship" helped her overcome shame, a sentiment echoed by celebrities like Billy Bob Thornton, who called his divorce "one of the greatest times of his life."
Navigating Stigma and Building a New Life
Despite progress, Jewel faced stigma, losing friends and family, including three years of silence from in-laws. "Everyone thinks you're a sexual pariah," she quips, urging others to maintain social connections. Her strategy involved assembling a "war council" of trusted friends, being strategic about finances and childcare, and adopting discipline through rituals like caring for a new kitten, Opal Caramel Jewel. "The ritual of having to get up and feed her... forces you to keep going," she explains.
A Message of Resilience and Self-Romance
Now thriving in her forties, Jewel beams with confidence, calling this decade her "most fabulous." She encourages anyone in a similar situation to "burn it down, burn it down, burn it down. Start again. You will be okay." Her story underscores a powerful message: prioritizing health and self-love can lead to profound renewal, even after decades of struggle.
