In a series of honest and revealing interviews, the twice BAFTA The award nominee revealed that he secretly struggled with anorexia and suffered a mental breakdown that his psychiatrist described as one of the “worst cases of clinical depression he had ever seen.” Finding the strength to write about the ordeal in his autobiographical I Love the Bones of You, which was released in 2020, Eccleston has since found it “difficult” to talk about it in person.
Having first started in 2016 after the relationship with his wife Mishka ended, the actor decided it was time to share his trauma as the collapse and subsequent hospitalization as a result “changed”. [his] life.”
At his worst, the actor contemplated suicide, attributing it in part to “intrusive thoughts,” but with the thought of his children in the back of his mind, the star found the strength not only to continue, but to seek professional help.
Speaking about this specific time in his life in 2021, Eccleston said: “I found that when I had severe clinical depression and was hospitalized… I almost lost everything.
“There was one night I thought I was going to die. I was running down Euston Road with a suitcase. Now, if anyone had seen me, they would have said, ‘Oh, there’s Doctor Who.’
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“What I want to say is that I don’t think people understand how quickly it can happen. Particularly in times of economic downturn.”
Having initially struggled while filming the first series of drama The A Word, the star heartbreakingly revealed that he spent around 10 hours a day playing his comedic character Maurice before returning to his hotel, unable to sleep.
“I don’t know if it would be called psychosis, I was just all night convinced that I was going to die,” she continued.
The year of his 52nd birthday, Eccleston checked himself into a psychiatric ward and celebrated his birthday on his second day there.
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Doctors at the time told her there was a severe imbalance in her brain chemistry as a result of years of trauma, including her battle with an eating disorder. Because of this, she was prescribed high doses of medication.
Anorexia is, says the actor, “like being in hell.” He went on to say, “Every minute. All you think about is food: the consumption of, the rejection of. You don’t think about anything else.”
Since his breakdown, the actor has admitted he’s “much calmer with himself” but still doesn’t watch any of his performances as it’s in his nature to be “very critical” of his physical appearance.
He added: “I’m male and from the North and from a working class background, so you weren’t supposed to talk about your feelings.
“I still carry all the baggage about masculinity and toughness, and I was ashamed of my depression and eating disorder.”
Although the actor experienced depression and anorexia at different times in his life, studies show that a high percentage of people with an eating disorder will experience depression.
A study of more than 2,400 women undergoing inpatient treatment for eating disorders found that 94 percent of patients had comorbid mood disorders, primarily unipolar depression.
Both conditions can act as triggers for the other. For example, a malnourished body can cause changes in the brain that affect mood just as low self-esteem or poor body image can trigger depression and anxiety. However, it is still important for people to recognize the difference between each condition and recognize the important symptoms so that they can seek medical help.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), there are three main features of anorexia nervosa: persistent food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain. .
In addition to this, the physical signs and symptoms of anorexia may include:
- extreme weight loss
- abnormal blood counts
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- finger discoloration
- Weakened or brittle hair
- absence of menstruation
- Insomnia.
Depression is characterized by a prolonged period of time in which people have a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, or lose interest or pleasure in all activities.
Other potential symptoms, which may be triggered by specific events or due to a family history of the condition, include:
- Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain and changes in appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Impaired ability to think or concentrate, and/or indecisiveness.
If you have mental health problems, you can speak to a trained counselor from the mental health charity Mind on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected].
Beat Eating Disorders offers help and support to people with an eating disorder. You can call 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales) and 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).
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