Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston opens up about struggle with anorexia and mental health
The Doctor Who star admitted to contemplating suicide
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Christopher Eccleston has opened up about his struggles with anorexia and mental health in a frank new interview.
The former Doctor Who actor, who spent his 52nd birthday in a psychiatric ward following a mental breakdown has spoken of his life-long issues with food and recovery.
With aspirations of looking like his acting heroes, such as Daniel Day-Lewis, the Salford-born thespian admitted to hiding his disordered eating from his family from a young age.
Anorexia, he said, is “like being in hell”.
Acknowledging the pervasiveness of the illness, Eccleston said that it affected him every day.
“Every minute. All you think about is food – the consumption of, the rejection of. You don’t think about anything else,” he told the Guardian.
On the publication of his partially autobiographical book, I Love the Bones of You, the Shallow Grave star was reported to suffer a mental breakdown so intense that the Priory psychiatrist Justin Haslam described it as one of the most severe cases of clinical depression he had seen.
His situation was so bad that the 55-year-old admits to contemplating suicide.
“I did have what people might call intrusive thoughts,” he said, before acknowledging that his children and “cowardice” prevented him from taking things further.
The actor’s hospitalisation followed the collapse of his relationship with his wife in early 2016.
He believes that his breakdown changed his life, however.
“It changed my view of myself and existence. I really felt that I was going to die,” he said.
Eccleston was honest about the stigma that mental health still carries, particularly for men.
“I’m male and northern and from a working-class background, so you were not supposed to speak about your feelings,” he said.
“I still carry all the baggage about masculinity and toughness, and I was ashamed about my depression and eating disorder.”
Despite his experience, the actor states that he has become “much easier” on himself since his breakdown.
“I still don’t watch my performances,” he said, “because I can be very critical of my physical appearance, which I have to be very careful about – but I am easier on myself.”
If you, or someone you know, would like further information on the help available to those affected by eating disorders, Beat offers support. Beat is the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders through helplines, online support and information.
The Beat Adult Helpline is open to anyone over 18. Parents, teachers or any concerned adults can call the adult helpline for free on 0808 801 0677, or email help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The Beat Youthline is also open to anyone under 18; 0808 801 0711. You can also call a dedicated student line on 0808 801 0811.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments