Annette Jackson, a 37-year-old from Michigan, has spent more than a decade in a quiet battle against an invisible enemy: Lyme disease. Her story takes on a new light with Justin Timberlake’s recent public announcement that he, too, is fighting the tick-borne illness. This revelation shines a much-needed spotlight on the many people who face years of struggle before receiving a proper diagnosis and validation.
In 2015, Jackson’s life took a sharp turn after a tick bite she sustained while visiting a park in southeastern Michigan. What started as mild fatigue and intermittent stiffness soon spiraled into a decade of cognitive fog, debilitating joint pain, anxiety, and depression—all without a clear diagnosis. For nine grueling years, she saw over 100 medical professionals, many of whom misdiagnosed her condition as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits, or clinical depression. In its advanced stages, Lyme disease often mimics psychiatric symptoms, making it difficult to identify without specific testing, something her early care lacked.
Finally, in late 2020, Dr. Jonathan Swetech, a family medicine physician in Clinton Township, pieced together Jackson’s history and symptoms. He recognized the telltale signs of advanced Lyme disease: persistent joint pain, neurological dysfunction, psychiatric disturbances, and even cardiac irregularities. After years of frustration, this was a breakthrough moment as he initiated a treatment plan.
Dr. Swetech explained that Lyme disease develops when bacteria from a tick bite infiltrate multiple body systems. In late stages, the infection can trigger severe joint swelling, nerve pain, memory impairment, sleep disruption, and heart rhythm issues. It’s a complex, systemic condition—far from the simple rash and flu-like symptoms most people associate with early Lyme.
Jackson’s personal account gives a human face to these medical facts. She describes each day as a relentless fight where physical pain merges with emotional exhaustion, and mental clarity is rare. Even five years after her diagnosis, she continues to battle the lingering effects of what’s known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), including chronic fatigue, brain fog, and mood disturbances.
While many Lyme sufferers receive effective antibiotic treatment within 10 to 14 days if the illness is caught early, diagnostic delays can lead to persistent symptoms. Studies show that approximately 10–20% of patients may develop PTLDS despite receiving appropriate care. These “long-haulers” often face significant disruptions to their daily lives.
Raising Awareness
Public figures like Timberlake, Amy Schumer, Shania Twain, and Justin Bieber have all shared their Lyme diagnoses, helping to raise awareness and break the stigma around the disease. Timberlake described it as “relentlessly debilitating,” echoing the reality Annette has lived with for years. Their disclosures remind us that Lyme doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone.
Local data also underscores the presence of Lyme in Jackson’s region. From 2021 through 2023, the Macomb County Health Department reported that ticks collected in the area tested positive for the Lyme-causing bacterium. While 2024 results are not yet available, the continuing presence of infected ticks highlights the risk, even in suburban areas.
The Importance of Prevention and Advocacy
Experts stress that prevention is critical. Lyme typically requires a tick to remain attached to the skin for 36–48 hours before transmission. Removing a tick promptly can dramatically reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Swetech recommends daily full-body checks after outdoor activities, including hard-to-see spots like the scalp, behind the knees, belly button, and groin. He also suggests using insect repellents like DEET and permethrin treatments on clothing and gear. Tumble drying clothes on high heat for 10 minutes can also kill ticks that have latched on.
Jackson’s journey also highlights the emotional toll of the disease. Years of misdiagnosis eroded her trust in the medical system. Living with chronic pain and psychiatric symptoms without validation made her battle as much internal as it was physical. Once diagnosed, she found relief in having an answer, but the lingering symptoms remind her that Lyme can be a long-term opponent, even after the active infection has been eliminated.
Her advocacy is rooted in education. Annette urges others to demand proper testing when symptoms persist, especially if doctors attribute complex symptoms solely to mental health without exploring other possibilities. She encourages open dialogue, seeking second opinions, and finding a Lyme-knowledgeable specialist if initial diagnoses feel incomplete.
Ultimately, timely diagnosis is key. Cases caught early can typically be resolved with antibiotic therapy. However, if treatment is delayed, symptoms can spiral into multi-system complications, making recovery longer and more uncertain. Being aware of common symptoms—such as fever, rash, fatigue, headache, joint swelling, facial nerve paralysis, or an irregular heartbeat—can lead to earlier detection.
Annette’s story is a powerful reminder that Lyme disease isn’t always recognized quickly. Its symptoms often overlap with psychiatric and autoimmune disorders. As awareness grows, thanks to public figures like Timberlake, more people may see Jackson’s decade-long fight as a call to action: recognize hidden symptoms, seek specialist care, and never settle for vague mental-health labels when there might be something more beneath the surface.
Her message is clear: listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and take prevention seriously. Whether you’re hiking wooded trails or playing in a backyard, tick awareness can save lives. Her story—human, expert-informed, and hard-fought—is both a cautionary tale and a hopeful one, proving that even with a challenging illness, answers can be found through persistence, compassion, and informed care.