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 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.

The Castaway star,50,who previously shared he was diagnosed with ADHD in the wake of the crisis,said that he used cognitive behavioural therapy and medicine' to help him heal from the 'storm,' as well as 'doing less and simplifying his life.'

In a lengthy Instagram post,the travel presenter said that he decided to share his struggles as it felt it was vital to be as open about his mental health woes as he has been about physical ones.

Ben wrote: '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. I've been on quite a journey since. I've learnt a lot about my neurological uniquenesses.

On Wednesday,Ben's wife Marina revealed her and her husband were once wrongly reported to social services for 'shouting at their children' 

Writing for The Times,Mrs Fogle said she could relate to 'feeling of nausea' Ms Allsopp likely felt when social services contacted her. 

She said: 'I know the feeling of nausea that would have welled in her stomach and the fury of being accused of failing your children because the same thing happened to me.'

She told of her own shock to return home from a family holiday in the summer of 2013 to find a letter from social services. Marina was convinced this was delivered in error,but was left trembling when social services turned up at her door that same morning.

It turned out,a neighbour had reported her and her husband for supposedly 'shouting' at their children - 'the kind of sustained verbal abuse that was simply unacceptable.'

Upon providing proof that the family were away on holiday on the date of the supposed incident,and following further questioning,social services agreed that there was no issue.

While acknowledging many tip-offs are real and necessary in safeguarding children who are at harm,Marina says she felt 'tarnished' by the experience.

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

'My husband,Ben,was so shocked that anyone even knew this was possible,combined with the fact that we are very much not a shouty household,that he suspected it might have been someone wanting to cause trouble.'

Marina said that her children grew up in a household where risk was 'embraced',with a father who climbed Everest and completed the world's toughest row,and so is 'grateful' they still have a healthy attitude to risk that hasn't been diminished by the incident with social services. 

WHAT IS ADHD?

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

Constant fidgeting Poor concentrationExcessive movement or talkingActing without thinkingInability to deal with stress Little or no sense of danger Careless mistakesMood swingsForgetfulness Difficulty organising tasks Continually starting new tasks before finishing old onesInability to listen or carry out instructions Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer,but there is less research into this.

ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.

Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety,depression,insomnia,Tourette's and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices 

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