Ben Fogle says he was caught ‘completely off-guard’ by his mental breakdown after it left him with ‘nausea, crippling anxiety and paranoia’

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Ben Fogle has bravely shared his experience with a mental health crisis, revealing he suffered from severe anxiety, paranoia, and felt physically sick.

The popular wildlife expert, age 51, first became well-known in 2000 when he appeared on the BBC show Castaway, and experienced depression in 2023.

Ben, who has two children – 16-year-old Ludo and 14-year-old Iona – with his wife Marina, has often spoken openly about how he tends to experience depression after returning from adventurous and exciting trips.

He was completely surprised by his sudden downturn in mood in 2023, and it had a very negative impact on him.

In a recent interview, Ben described a severe emotional and physical reaction, saying he experienced nausea, intense anxiety, and paranoia. He called it a total breakdown.

He told The Telegraph that he was feeling better now, but wanted to share his experience because young men often keep their feelings hidden. He emphasized that there shouldn’t be any shame or stigma about struggling – it’s a normal part of life.

In 2024 Ben was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

He publicly shared his diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder on Instagram, explaining that certain parts of his life had become difficult.

Ben, who has dyslexia, shared that his mental health challenges led to significant changes in how his brain functions.

The Animal Park presenter explained that his health condition doesn’t make him weak, just more open to being hurt, as he talked about how he’s been coping with it.

Ben explained that he’s never liked labels. He believes it’s too simplistic to define people with just one word, as it doesn’t capture the complexities that make each individual unique.

I’m complex – more than just a simple label. While I have certain advantages, I also deeply care about others. I may be in the public eye, but I’m actually a pretty private person at heart.

I have dyslexia, but I’m also a successful, award-winning writer – proving that different ways of thinking can lead to great things. This is true for everyone with unique neurological differences.

Ben, married to Marina since 2006, shared that he was recently diagnosed with ADHD. He acknowledged some skepticism about the diagnosis, but emphasized that it represents a real change in how his brain functions.

A difficult period with my mental health led to me finally receiving a diagnosis. I’ve felt unlike myself for a while now.

Things had been getting harder lately, but finally having a diagnosis helped explain why and made things feel more manageable.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m getting older, or if it reflects a bigger trend, but even with my ADHD, I’m still fundamentally myself.

I was so glad to hear Ben talk about how saunas really helped him get through a tough time with his mental health. He said they brought him ‘tremendous healing and happiness,’ and honestly, it was inspiring to hear him share that. It’s amazing to see him doing so well!

Writing in The Times, he described his deep love for saunas, sharing stories of enjoying them in diverse locations around the globe – from traditional spots in Sweden and Russia to more unusual places like Antarctica and the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

He initially enjoyed saunas simply for relaxation and quiet reflection. However, after struggling with his mental health, they became an essential part of his healing process.

If you have been affected by this story, contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 

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2026-01-16 04:50