Justin Bieber recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue, and neurological issues. Depression is another common symptom of Lyme disease, which can appear before and persist long after the illness has been treated. For those who are already suffering from depression or other mental health issues, this can lead to a delayed diagnosis of Lyme disease.

What did Justin Bieber have to say about it?

People had said he looked like he was "on meth," but the artist explained on Instagram that "they failed to realize I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not to mention a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health."

He said he was getting "the right treatment" to help with the disease and that more information about his life would be revealed in an upcoming YouTube documentary series.

"You can learn everything I've been up against and overcoming!" he wrote on Instagram, promising his 124 million followers that "I will be back and better than ever!"

Model Hailey Bieber, the superstar's wife, defended him against those "trying to downplay the severity of Lyme disease."

6 Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease

• RASH
• FATIGUE
• HEADACHE
• FEVERS AND CHILLS
• BODY ACHE
• SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES

There are three stages of Lyme disease.

• Early localized Lyme disease is the first stage. The bacteria hasn't spread all over the body yet.
• Early disseminated Lyme disease is the second stage. The bacteria has started to spread all over the body.
• Late disseminated Lyme disease is the third stage.

5 Ways to Prevent Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

• Avoid areas where ticks are likely to be found, such as fields with brush and/or tall grass.
• Light-colored clothing is recommended. Wear long pants with socks tucked in and long-sleeved shirts.
• Apply tick repellent to exposed skin and clothing that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Wear clothing that has been treated with permethrin.
• Ticks should be checked for and removed. Remove them properly. If at all possible, use tweezers. The bite site should then be cleaned.
• Notify your doctor if you are bitten by a tick. In a high-risk area, some doctors prescribe antibiotics within 72 hours of a tick bite. Lyme disease risk can be reduced as a result of this.
• Within 30 days of the bite, look for signs of Lyme disease, such as a rash or a fever. 
• Notify your doctor if you notice any signs.

If you have Lyme disease, it's not surprising if you look like a bleep. It's difficult enough to have Lyme disease on its own. It’s a serious disease that can be quite bewildering. It all starts with Ixodes scapularis, a black-legged tick also known as the deer tick. Ticks literally and figuratively bite and suck. They can quietly suck, too. Unless you check your skin for ticks after walking through the woods, the park, or another area with vegetation, you may not notice that one of these tiny vampires has latched on to your skin.

The issue is not the tick itself, but the potentially dangerous passengers it may transport, such as the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme Disease can also be caused by a bacteria called Borrelia mayonii, but it is much less common. Ticks can act as Ubers for such bacteria, depositing them directly into your body while being extremely sucky.