Ben Fogle reveals he battled ‘crippling paranoia and anxiety’ during his ‘mental health breakdown’ as he shares the ‘alternative’ methods he used to aid his recovery

Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery

As I read through this heartfelt account of Ben Fogle and his family’s experiences, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy and admiration for their resilience. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve navigated through challenging situations with grace, understanding, and a dash of humor.


Ben Fogle has candidly shared he battled ‘crippling paranoia and anxiety,’ during his ‘mental health breakdown’, as he offered insight into the various methods he used to aid in his recovery.

50-year-old actor Tom Hanks, who previously disclosed his ADHD diagnosis amidst a personal crisis, revealed that he utilized cognitive behavioral therapy and medication to recover from the ordeal. Additionally, he mentioned that reducing activities and streamlining his lifestyle also played a significant role in helping him weather this ‘storm.’

In an extended Instagram message, the travel host expressed that he wanted to disclose his personal battles with mental health because he believed it was important to maintain the same level of transparency regarding this aspect of his life as he has done when discussing his physical health issues.

Ben wrote: ‘A year ago I suffered a mental health wobble. An episode. A storm. A blip

‘I guess you could say it was a sort of breakdown or burnout. Since then, I’ve gone through quite an experience and learned a great deal about the unique aspects of my neurology.’

Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery

After weathering the tempest, I found solace in a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and now, alternative healing methods. Today, I truly feel like the best version of myself once more.

‘Gone is the crippling paranoia and anxiety, replaced by my calm old self.

I’m sharing this with you initially, as it seems essential for us both to acknowledge not just our triumphs but also our weaknesses and struggles.

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the sentence in a natural, easy-to-read manner: “I’m doing this (whatever ‘this’ refers to) not to jump on a bandwagon or for sympathy, but because if it happened to me, it could happen to you as well.”

‘But just like a broken bone or a pneumonia ravaged lung or even a flesh eating bug (all of which I have had)

‘We have the capacity to recover, and these experiences do not define us or weaken us. Instead, they demonstrate our humanity, as we are all susceptible to the stresses of contemporary living.’

‘Mental health traumas shouldn’t carry a stigma, but rather serve as a wake-up call about the growing intricacy of the world we inhabit.’

“I find relief in minimizing and streamlining my life, which means spending less time on social media, working less, and reducing the pressure to be flawless. This leads to reduced worry, stress, anger, and fixation.”

Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery
Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery
Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery

“Having extra time has brought me back to my true self. It’s as if I’ve returned to who I’ve always been. Still simple, filled with love and peace.”

In February, it was disclosed that Ben had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), following a period of mental health distress which he referred to as a ‘storm.’

Ben, a person who has openly discussed living with dyslexia, mentioned that a shift occurred within him neurologically, following challenges he faced with his psychological well-being.

In a conversation about his experiences post-diagnosis, the well-known Countryfile personality emphasized that the condition does not render him brittle, but rather exposes him to potential harm or risk.

Ben stated: “I’ve never been fond of labels. To me, reducing an individual to a simple term oversimplifies their complexity and overlooks the subtleties that make each person unique.”

‘We are more than a sweeping binary word. I am privileged but I am also compassionate. I am a public figure but I am also quite shy.

I have Dyslexia, yet I’m a prize-winning author. My point is clear. Just as my unique Dyslexia sets me apart, so do our distinct neurological characteristics.

Ben, who’s been with his wife Marina since 2006, went on to say: ‘I’ve just received a diagnosis of ADHD *rolling his eyes slightly*. I must confess, I initially met this news with skepticism, but the truth is, there have been changes in my neurological makeup.’

In recent times, a surge in my mental health concerns served as the spark that led to my diagnosis. For a while now, I’ve felt distinctly unlike my usual self, and this realization has been the driving force behind seeking help and understanding.

Facing certain parts of life has grown more challenging, yet with a diagnosis, there comes clarity and logic.

Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery

It could be due to my advancing years, or possibly a reflection of larger societal issues at play. Regardless, I’m still the same person, and yes, I have ADHD.

I don’t use it as an excuse for myself, and I hope others won’t feel the need to tread lightly because of it. It doesn’t render me fragile; instead, it exposes my vulnerability.

As a fellow enthusiast, I must confess, I’m not just like everyone else; I’m a tad more obsessively unique. Yet, it’s this quirkiness that fuels my creative fire and deepens my empathetic connections.

‘Neurological individuality makes me who I am and I am proud of that. To have a clinical diagnosis helps me understand who I am. It explains my weaknesses as well as my strengths. Love, peace and individuality.’

Previously, Ben has been candid about his personal health matters, disclosing a psychological incident that occurred in 2013, following an instance where his beverage was laced.

In 2020, he openly shared that he had contemplated taking his own life while socializing at a remote pub in the Cotswolds.

On a particularly nerve-wracking Friday, I couldn’t help but share my heart-stopping encounter with my beloved followers, an experience I can now label as one of the most terrifying episodes in my life.

On a Wednesday, Ben’s spouse, Marina, disclosed that they had been falsely accused of yelling at their kids and reported to child welfare services in the past.

Amidst the controversy surrounding Kirstie Allsopp and her son’s Interrail trip, the wife of Countryfile presenter shares that she empathizes with Ms. Allsopp, as they too have faced a distressing situation similar to what she experienced while raising their own children.

Last week, TV host Katie Allsopp found herself in a dispute regarding permitting her 15-year-old son to travel around Europe independently. Now, authorities are investigating this matter.

Ben Fogle reveals he battled 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' during his 'mental health breakdown' as he shares the 'alternative' methods he used to aid his recovery

In an article for The Times, Mrs. Fogle expressed empathy with the “queasy feelings” that probably overwhelmed Ms. Allsopp upon receiving a call from social services.

She shared that she had experienced the sensation of nausea rising up within her, much like what had occurred to her, and the anger that comes from being blamed for letting down one’s children, as this situation reminded her of a similar incident in her own life.

In the scorching summer of 2013, after a peaceful family vacation, Marina received an unexpected letter from child services at home. She assumed it was a mistake, but her heart pounded when they appeared on her doorstep just hours later.

It emerged that their neighbor had complained about them due to what seemed like persistent yelling at their kids, which was deemed inappropriate and intolerable.

After presenting evidence showing that the family was on vacation on the suspected event’s date, and after more inquiries, social services concluded that there was no concern to address.

Marina expressed feeling tainted or spoiled, as she was involved in situations where tips about child safety were valid and crucial, but the overall experience left her with a sense of being soiled or damaged.

She said: ‘Even though I was completely innocent, my interaction with social services rocked me. 

It astonished my husband, Ben, to discover that this could happen, especially considering our peaceful home. He thought it was potentially someone trying to stir up trouble.

Marina shared that her children were raised in a home where taking risks was not only accepted but encouraged, with a father who scaled Mount Everest and completed the world’s most challenging row. As a result, she expressed gratitude that despite an encounter with social services, they have maintained a robust approach to risk-taking that remains intact.

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2024-08-29 12:50

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