Beloved television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle has given a raw and emotional account of a severe mental breakdown he experienced in 2023, which left him battling debilitating symptoms. The 51-year-old star, who first found fame on the BBC's Castaway in 2000, also revealed he has since been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A Breakdown That Came 'Completely Off-Guard'
In a new interview, Fogle described the episode as a 'complete breakdown', detailing how he suffered from intense nausea, crippling anxiety, and paranoia. While he has been open in the past about experiencing depressive episodes after returning from high-adrenaline expeditions, he said the 2023 slump caught him 'completely off-guard' with its severity.
The father of two, who shares children Ludo, 16, and Iona, 14, with his wife Marina, emphasised the importance of speaking out. 'I'm better now, but I felt it important to share things when young men in particular tend to bottle them up,' he told The Telegraph. 'There's no need for shame or stigma; it's just part of being human.'
A New Diagnosis and a Changed Perspective
In 2024, following what he described as a 'mental health storm', Fogle received a diagnosis of ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition. He announced this on Instagram, admitting that 'some aspects of life had become a struggle'.
Fogle, who is also dyslexic, explained that he felt he had 'changed neurologically' after his mental health struggles. However, he was cautious about labels. 'I hate labels. I always have. The idea that a single word defines us is too binary and lacks the nuances that distinguish us,' he stated.
'I have ADHD but I am still me,' Fogle asserted, adding that the diagnosis brought understanding. 'The condition does not make me fragile, just vulnerable,' said the Animal Park star, discussing his adjustment since the discovery.
Finding a Path to Recovery
Fogle has previously credited an unusual source for aiding his recovery from the breakdown: saunas. He wrote in The Times about his global sauna experiences, from Sweden to Antarctica, and revealed that after his mental health suffered, they became 'my medicine', bringing him 'tremendous healing and happiness'.
By sharing his story, Ben Fogle hopes to encourage others, especially men, to seek help and speak openly about their mental health challenges without fear of judgment.
If you have been affected by this story, you can contact Mind on 0300 123 3393.
