Ben Fogle details feeling 'crippling paranoia and anxiety' in 'burn out'

Ben Fogle has detailed feeling "crippling paranoia and anxiety" in a "mental health wobble" and how he "navigated the storm".

His powerful post comes after the TV star revealed in February this year that he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after a "mental health storm". There is a link between ADHD and mental health – with the former often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression, according to ADHD Aware.

It's been almost 25 years since Fogle, 50, shot to fame on reality series Castaway back in 2000. The star became well loved for his sense of adventure, as seen in many of his programmes including New Lives in the Wild where he travels all over the world to meet free-spirited people living off-grid.

While hosting the series, the star has made no secret of his desire to escape to a remote island himself. At home, he lives in rural Buckinghamshire with his wife Marina as well as their children Ludo and Iona.

Behind the scenes, the TV presenter revealed that he himself has struggled with his mental health especially a year ago when he felt he was having a "burn out" and "break down". With fresh eyes, the Castaway star looked back on how he was feeling and how he navigated the challenging time.

Read more: How ADHD affects mental health, as Ben Fogle opens up about diagnosis

Ben Fogle speaks about his 'break down'

The star said he used alternative therapies as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication to help him get back to feeling like his "old self". He wrote in an Instagram post: "A year ago I suffered a mental health wobble. An episode. A storm. A blip. I don’t know if there is a specific term for it but it was basically a burnt out, break down."

He added: "I've been on quite a journey since. I’ve learnt a lot about my neurological uniquenesses. And I’ve navigated the storm. Through a mix of CBT, medicine, and now some alternative therapies I feel like my old self. Gone is the crippling paranoia and anxiety, replaced by my calm old self."

Fogle was sharing his experience because he wanted to show everyone it was possible to "heal" from what happens. He said: "I’m telling you this firstly because I believe as someone who shares my successes it’s important to also share our vulnerabilities. It is not to jump on some trend or for sympathy."

He added: "It’s because if it happened to me, [it] can happen to you. But just like a broken bone or a pneumonia ravaged lung or even a flesh eating bug (all of which I have had). We can heal. They don’t define us or make us weak. They prove that we are human. Vulnerable to the pressures of modern life. A mental health trauma should not be a stigma but a reality check for the increasingly complicated world in which we live."

Ending his post on a positive note, Fogle said simplifying his life was what helped him worry less. This is something he is always talking about in New Lives in the Wild, as the people he meets often are living with the most basic lifestyle and getting back to nature.

He went on: "What’s helped me is doing less and simplifying my life. Less social media. Less work Less pressure to be perfect The results are that I worry less. Stress less. Anger less. Fixate less. Giving me more time has helped me back to reality. To being me. Exactly the same person I have always been. Simple. Love, peace and simplicity."

His post was flooded with support and love from his fans. Among them, celebrity friend Bear Grylls had some words of wisdom for the star. He wrote: "Keep going brother… loved by many."

Others said: "My hope is the day comes when talking about our mental, spiritual snd emotional help will be as ‘normal’ as talking about our physical. Amazing you are coming out the other side and helping others by being honest."

"My husband and I simply adore you Ben. We went to your recent tour at the Darlington hippodrome. You are incredible and your work and unique spirit has helped us both out in times of crisis. A night on the sofa watching one of your documentaries is our go to mental health break. Keep being you and remember to breathe! You are wonderful and we love you."

What has Ben Fogle said about ADHD?

Earlier this year, Fogle said he was diagnosed with ADHD and his "mental health storm" was the catalyst for getting his diagnosis. The Sunday Times bestselling author said his with his diagnosis came "understanding and reason".

He wrote on Instagram: "I hate labels. I always have the idea that a single word defines us is too binary and lacks the nuances that distinguish us. We are more than a sweeping binary word… The same can be said of our unique neurological differences.

"I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD… I admit to my own cynicism but the reality is that I have changed neurologically. A recent mental health storm was the catalyst for my diagnosis. I feel different and have done for some time. Some aspects of life had become more of a struggle, but with a diagnosis comes understanding and reason."

Adults in the UK can apply for Access to Work to get support if you have a disability or health condition.If you need someone to talk to, you can also call Samaritans any time, day or night on 116 123.