Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

As a die-hard fan of Josh Widdicombe, I have been moved by his recent revelations about his struggles with alcohol and the impact it had on his life. His courage to speak openly about his personal battles is truly inspiring, especially when it comes to such sensitive topics as mental health and addiction.

In an open discussion, comedian Josh Widdicombe disclosed that he battled consistently with alcohol consumption throughout the years, sharing insights into his challenging, unhealthy connection with it, ultimately leading to a personal breakdown.

In a recent interview with The Times on Wednesday, the comedian, aged 41, admitted that he’s consistently immersed himself in his pastimes and interests, and he applied the same method to alcohol consumption as well.

The host of The Last Leg acknowledged that he didn’t recognize his alcohol problem for many years, as he didn’t consume alcohol on a daily basis.

2022 saw a significant turning point for him as he experienced a mental collapse while grappling with his alcohol addiction, work-related stress, and responsibilities of parenthood.

Speaking candidly about his hardships, Josh admitted he frequently consumed too much alcohol, resulting in bouts of vomiting and losing consciousness.

He said: ‘I’ve always had a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol.’

Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

As a mindful follower, I often find myself expressing that since I don’t overindulge daily, I tend to believe I am in good health.

He said: ‘I didn’t do it every day so it took me ages to realise I had a problem.’ 

It was only when it started to impact his parenting that he knew something had to change.

Josh shared that he didn’t desire to become an uninvolved parent, fearing that his drinking habits could potentially lead him in that direction. At the same time, he was anxious about maintaining his professional progress.

As a devoted spouse married to Rose Hanson, I’m blessed with two wonderful children – our seven-year-old daughter, Pearl, and our energetic three-year-old son, Cassius.

“The QI panelist expressed that he didn’t desire to be an uninvolved father, but at the same time, he was hesitant to compromise his professional advancement.

In the end, I added even more stress to my situation, making everything feel overwhelming. Eventually, I simply couldn’t hold up anymore and succumbed to it all.

Speaking candidly, he explained his state as follows: ‘Excessive work led to burnout which in turn caused depression and anxiety… I found humor in it by saying that discussing sleepless nights due to anxiety attacks is funny.’

Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

To help him deal with his battles against alcohol, he’s started writing about his experiences, but he’s unsure if he’s prepared just yet to make those writings public.

Previously, Josh has been open about his battles against alcohol addiction. More recently, on Instagram, he announced that he’s successfully maintained over a year of sobriety.

The comic shared that he’s been living life more fully by abstaining from alcohol, discovering that events like weddings, parties, concerts, and festivals can still be delightful experiences, even without having a drink to hold.

He added that it has also made him a better father and he is no longer as irritable with his family or even waking up worried about what he did or said the night before. 

The man with two children later shared with his audience that maintaining a moderate drinking habit wasn’t something he excelled at, as he frequently felt the urge for an additional ten glasses of wine following his initial one.

Accompanying an image of a steaming cup of tea bearing the caption ‘Everything is good’, he playfully commented that the sole disadvantage of being sober lay in his lack of enjoyment from visiting Ibiza now.

Last week marks a year since I’ve stopped drinking alcohol. Over the past seven days, I’ve pondered whether I would become the sort of person who boasts about this on Instagram with an “more details” post, and it seems that I indeed fit that description.

Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown
Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown
Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown
Josh Widdicombe reveals he collapsed while struggling with alcohol problems, stress and parenting as he opens up about his 2022 breakdown

‘Been an absolute joy for most of the year, here’s some highs:

As a devoted enthusiast, I’m finding joy in experiences I once believed required alcohol for enjoyment. Instead, these events – concerts, weddings, and festivals like Glastonbury – are now even more delightful without the need for alcohol.

‘- Being a far less irritable/irritating dad, husband and person to do a podcast with.

‘- Not spending days desperate to go back to bed or waking up with a sense of shame (as much)

‘- Remembering the second half of Christmas Day

‘- Really getting into tea

‘Negatives:

‘- Ibiza was probably a step too far

Despite striving for many years to limit my alcohol intake, it simply didn’t align with my abilities. Consequently, I rarely pass up the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine during lunch or dinner, as I’ve never been able to maintain abstinence without feeling compelled to have more.

‘If you are looking to stop drinking my advice to chat to people you know that have stopped about how they did it, that is what I did. If you don’t want to stop drinking then can I recommend Ibiza.’

For help with alcohol problems contact AA on 0800 917 7650 or email the helpline at help@aamail.org

Read More

2024-12-19 15:37

Previous post Mortal Kombat 1 Celebrates the Holidays With a Series of Themed Towers Starting With ‘Bloody Snow’ From Today