Bristol Palin says facial paralysis brought confidence, deeper faith and healthier life

Pagesix reports that Bristol Palin says she feels more confident and closer to her faith one year after she developed a mystery facial paralysis.

On Instagram Stories she wrote, “Happy one year since my face first went paralyzed,” and listed ways her life has improved, saying the condition put her on the path “God called [her] to.” She wrote, “We are not called to carry so much and I can’t call myself a Christian and still try to control and be a perfectionist in so many areas of my life. So releasing that all back to God has freed me up,” and said she has been “able to practice so much more self discipline this past year and really hear God’s voice and walk into that calling.” Palin also said the condition has “forced [her] to live a much healthier life” and allowed her to “find some sort of inner confidence,” adding, “I know that this just adds some character to my face. It could be way worse, but life happens quick, things change so fast.”

When she first revealed the paralysis in January 2025, Palin said it was caused by a neurological disorder “brought on by stress” and doctors thought it might be Bell’s palsy; she later said in November 2025 she still had a “crooked face.” Last month she announced a new treatment plan that will include getting Botox in her eye, saying, “It just gets so small when I smile, or when I’m expressive at all,” and concluding, “Could be worse, could be better. At least I’ve got cute sunglasses.”

Key Topics

Culture, Bristol Palin, Bell's Palsy, Botox, Teen Mom Og, Instagram Stories